TOSS | Ayabonga Khaka returns as Proteas asked to bat first in Colombo

The Proteas women have been asked to bat first by Pakistan captain Fatima Sana in their penultimate round robin fixture in the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. 

Sana, recognising South Africa's strengths in chasing down targets in the showpiece event, has flipped the script on the Proteas, asking them to bat first. 

South Africa has won four consecutive matches batting second, and now has an opportunity to set a big enough target to defend. 

The pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium is said to be dry, having been under the covers on Monday and earlier on Tuesday due to rain. 

The Proteas have already secured a spot in the semi-final, while Pakistan is in the race to claim the fourth and final semi-final spot. 

Though South Africa is through to the next stage of the tournament, they have a lot of areas to improve on. 

Having lacked ruthlessness throughout the tournament, be it in the field or with bat and ball, captain Laura Wolvaardt will be leading her charges in an attempt to have a well-rounded performance. 

Youngster Karabo Meso, having earned her debut against Sri Lanka last week, has been given another opportunity to showcase her skills at the biggest stage with another World Cup cap. 

All-rounders Nondumiso Shangase and Annerie Dercksen have also kept their spot in the playing XI as the Proteas search for their fifth consecutive victory. 

Fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka is the only change for South Africa as she replaces seam bowler Masabata Klaas in the fixture. 

Proteas women's playing XI 
1. Laura Wolvaardt
2. Tazmin Brits
3. Sune Luus
4. Annerie Dercksen 
5. Marizanne Kapp
6. Karabo Meso
7. Chloe Tryon
8. Nadine de Klerk 
9. Nondumiso Shangase
10. Ayabonga Khaka
11. Nonkululeko Mlaba