Klaas confident in Proteas women's ability ahead of Kimberley showdown

cricket12 April 2024 20:05

Masabata Klaas © CSA

Ahead of the highly anticipated second ICC Women's Championship (2022-25) one-day international (ODI) between the Proteas Women and Sri Lanka, experienced seamer Masabata Klaas shed light on the team's preparations and aspirations in Kimberley.

Following the washed-out first ODI, the second encounter gets under way on Saturday (13 April) at the Kimberley Oval from 2pm.

The contest will be aired live on SuperSport Action (210), with tickets available at the stadium and online via TicketPro.

At the pre-match press conference, Klaas highlighted the disappointment of the rain-marred first ODI in East London.

However, she pointed out the positives, particularly the batting unit's capability to set formidable targets, albeit falling short of their intended mark.

“Like you rightfully said, it rained out while we were in East London like it always does. What I can say is from that game, we took a lot of positives whereby we were aiming to score 300 plus, but unfortunately we couldn't because we came short by 30 or 40 runs. We have a good batting line-up whereby they can take us where we want to be in our next game,” the fast bowler noted.

'KEEPING THINGS SIMPLE'

Reflecting on the recent batting performances, Klaas expressed confidence in the team's ability to post substantial scores, providing the bowling unit with a sense of freedom and confidence to execute their plans effectively.

“As a bowling unit, we have a strong unit as well whereby we can defend any target that our batters set. I have confidence in what we've been doing going forward. So the targets they've been setting so far, it has been great, where we can defend any score.

“They're giving us freedom to execute our plans and staying focused on what we want to do,” she added.

Klaas exuded self-assurance in her own bowling performances, emphasising her role as a leader within the bowling attack.

She acknowledged the importance of simplicity in approach while remaining adaptable with alternative plans when necessary.

“I'm in a good space whereby I think I'm taking a lot of responsibilities with the bowling attack. I'm also learning and growing as a cricketer and as a bowler. So I think my bowling so far, it has been great. I'm heading in the right direction.

“I'm keeping things simple, knowing what I want to do at the end of the day and stick to that. Your plan, it won't always work, but you must also have plan B, which you can use when the tough gets going,” Klaas said.

Proteas Women Squad (ODI) - Inbound Tour against Sri Lanka

Laura Wolvaardt (Fidelity Titans, Captain), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso* (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Delmi Tucker (World Sports Betting Western Province)

RESULTS

T20 International Series

1st T20I

South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 79 runs

South Africa: 198/5 after 20 overs; L. Wolvaardt 102 (63), M. Kapp 60 (40); A. Kulasuriya 2/39, I. Priyadharshani 1/25

Sri Lanka: 119 all out after 18.2 overs; H. Samarawickrama 38 (33), H. Perera 30 (18); A. Dercksen 2/15, T. Sekhukhune 2/25

2nd T20I

Sri Lanka beat South Africa by 7 wickets

South Africa: 137/8 after 20 overs; A. Bosch 50 (32), M. Kapp 44 (36); A. Kulasuriya 2/26, C. Athapaththu 1/18

Sri Lanka: 138/3 after 18.5 overs; V. Gunaratne 65* (57), K. Dilhari 45* (28); C. Tryon 1/14, N. de Klerk 1/27

3rd T20I

Sri Lanka beat South Africa by 4 wickets