Proteas Women in search of clinical execution in second T20I in Benoni

South Africa Women look to improve their execution ahead of their second T20I against Pakistan Women in Benoni on Friday, in an attempt to secure an unassailable 2-0 series lead in the three-match series. 

Despite having won the first T20I in Potchefstroom earlier this week, the Proteas Women acknowledge that they have room for growth ahead of the second match. 

While their victory in the first match, a last-ball thriller, was entertaining with debutant Kayla Reyneke hitting the winning runs, the Proteas could have done a much better job throughout the match.

All-rounder Annerie Dercksen acknowledged that they made their lives hard and misexecuted at some stages of the match, leading to a narrow victory instead of a dominant performance. 

The 24-year-old reiterated that they need to tighten up on their execution and have clear plans ahead of the second match. 

"We probably made it difficult for ourselves at the end there. I thought we were cruising probably for most of that chase, but it's always entertaining and fun to be part of a last-ball thriller.

"We need to improve our execution. I think we probably had a couple of plans, but then just mis-executed, and that can cost you in a game, especially when someone's on 80-odd, banging it.

"So, I think just execution, keeping things simple, make sure that your plans are clear before you start running in, especially when there's a bit of pressure and a bit of chaos going around. So, we need calm minds and simple plans."

During the run chase, Dercksen, while being a youngster in her own right, played a senior role when she batted alongside debutant Reyneke in Potchefstroom. 

However, the 24-year-old has been to a T20 World Cup and an ODI World Cup, a feat that has equipped her with enough experience to play the senior role to Reyneke. 

"I think, for me, it was a weird role. I was almost seen as a senior player because she made her debut, even though I still view myself as quite young," she said. 

"It was incredible to have almost a front row seat to that (knock). I almost felt like I couldn't time the ball, and she was just there smashing it.

"So, for me, I just tried to keep her calm and keep her focused, to try and talk her through it. But it was absolutely incredible, an amazing debut and super proud of her."

The second T20I match between South Africa Women and Pakistan Women is set to get underway at 6:00 pm SAST in Benoni on Friday.