BRISTOL, England - South Africa may have suffered their first defeat at the ICC Women’s World Cup but all-rounder Chloe Tryon insists there's a belief they can do “something special”.
Tryon played a big hand in the Proteas’ ultimately unsuccessful run-chase against England in Bristol when she smashed a quick-fire 54 off just 26 balls as South Africa became the first women's team to pass the 300-run mark in the second innings of an ODI.
When Tryon was at the crease there was certainly a possibility that South Africa could hunt down England’s mammoth 373/5. However, the 23-year-old’s dismissal in the 44th over precipitated a collapse that saw South Africa’s challenge fizzle out.
“We really believed we could do it. Every batter that came to the crease played with a lot of intent and positivity,” Tryon said from Leicester.
“When I came to the crease I believed we could still do it. I didn’t have much time to get my eye in because the run-rate was close to 10 per over already, so it was just a case of ‘see ball, hit ball’.
"I was quite disappointed when I got out because I told myself I wanted to be there at the end, so another five overs could really have made a difference.”
There is certainly a discussion to be had about Tryon’s position in the Proteas’ batting order. With her ability to clear the boundary almost at will, there's a case to be made why she did not come to the crease ahead of captain Dane van Niekerk with the run-rate escalating.
Van Niekerk, batting at No 5, managed just nine off 15 balls at a paltry strike-rate of 60 in comparison to Tryon’s amazing 207.69.
“I often speak to the coach (Hilton Moreeng) about my flexibility. He knows he can send me in, in any situation. But all the girls are really doing well and I’ll try to use the opportunities I do get,” Tryon said.
South Africa don’t have time to reflect on the England defeat though. Another massive challenge awaits on Saturday at Grace Road where they face an in form India team.
The Indians are unbeaten after four games and sit atop of the table with defending champions Australia. India beat hosts England in the tournament opener.
The Proteas are well acquainted with the Indians, though, having contested a recent quadrangular series with the sub-continent team in Potchefstroom.
Tryon was disappointed in one of the matches against India when she clubbed an unbeaten 77 off just 39 balls.
“Yeah, we have a bit of a rivalry with the Indians,” she chuckled. “We’ve played them quite a bit and know many of their players, so it’s really going to be an exciting challenge. They are playing brilliant cricket at the moment but we believe we can pull off something special.”
🇿🇦 Chasing 374 to win was always going to be a tall order for @OfficialCSA! But there was some fine batting in their total of 305! #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/efmACjIdot
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 6, 2017