JOHANNESBURG – The SA women’s cricket team will look to secure a series win when they face Bangladesh in the third of the five-match series at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley on Wednesday.
The hosts claimed emphatic victories by 106 runs and nine wickets in Potchefstroom to take a 2-0 series lead.
Raisibe Ntozakhe attributes the team’s success to sticking to the basics.
“It’s been a really good series for us so far, especially after the disappointment of the India tour earlier this year, we really wanted to make sure that we do the small things right,” said Ntozakhe.
“We sort of went back to the drawing board and identified the areas that needed immediate attention and those that we could work towards. I think we’ve achieved some of our goals by not overthinking too much and just sticking to the basics.”
The Proteas women prepare to face Bangladesh in the third match in Kimberley on Wednesday. Photo: @OfficialCSA on Twitter
The 21-year-old from Alexandra township in Johannesburg has been one of the standout South African bowlers in the series so far, returning impressive figures of 1/21 in 10 overs in the first match and helping to set up the match two drubbing of the tourists with her 3/16 in 10 overs.
She credited her stint with the South Africa Emerging team last month (who played a triangular series against Australia Under-19s and the England Academy) as a contributing factor to her improved bowling.
“Playing for the Emerging side really helped me get more games under the belt while I was preparing for this tour,” Ntozakhe explained.
“I was able to work on the areas that I wanted to in real match situations against two teams who had some exciting up and coming players. By the time I joined the national team for camp, my confidence was up and the immediate way that we all just gelled as a team after not seeing each other in while also really got the excitement and energy up.”
Calling out all those in Kimberley! The #ProteasWomen are in town!
As they look to take an unassailable 3-0 lead against Bangladesh in the third CSA Women's ODI Series match at the Diamond Oval
Entrance is free - with the first ball delivered at 09h45. #AlwaysRising #SAvBAN pic.twitter.com/ZzdzFVTHsc
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) May 8, 2018
South Africa are just one match away from a series win and Ntozakhe is quietly confident of their chances, while still wary of the unpredictable nature of the Bangladesh side in the new conditions of Kimberley.
“We always enjoy playing in Kimberley. We’ve played here a lot in recent times and I think that experience will help us in the next couple of games.”
“It’s quite different to Senwes Park (Potchefstroom) because the outfield is a lot bumpier and the wind is really strong. Our fast bowlers were also really excited to see a bit of green on the wicket so it’s going to be a nice change and a fresh, new challenge.”
“We won’t be underestimating Bangladesh or their ability to bounce back. We know that they will want to put in a big performance tomorrow and try to save the series, so it’s going to be another big game for us.”
“I’m sure that if we keep doing what we’ve been doing and also improving in the areas that need it, we’ll be successful. We won’t be happy until the series is done and we have won it five-nil.”