Following a challenging first one-day international (ODI) defeat, the Proteas Women are gearing up for a spirited comeback in the second of three 50-over encounters against Australia, aiming to level the series in Sydney on Wednesday. The hosts currently lead the multi-format tour six points to two.
The second ODI will take place at the North Sydney Oval from 14h40 local time (05h40 SAST), with the match showcased live on SuperSport Action (Channel 210).
Reflecting on the team's mindset after the initial ODI loss, Proteas Women seamer Masabata Klaas shared, “Yes, after the game, we had a meeting, and then mostly we spoke about the positives that we took out of that game. Even though we lost, there were some positives that we took out of the game.
“It was a hard pill to swallow, I don't want to lie. But then we took the positives, and we're going forward. We still have two more games to go, so it can turn out our way in the coming two games,” she commented.
South Africa, fueled with determination, believes they can overturn the series in their favour. Klaas expressed her confidence ahead of the contest. "Definitely, I believe that we can. We have a strong team and match winners in our team, so I believe, yes, we can win,” the 33-year old said.
As one of only seven players who were part of the Proteas Women squad that last toured Australia in 2016, where the team achieved their best result against the host nation in ODI cricket with a tied match in the fourth ODI before going down 4-0 in the five-match series, Klaas reminisced on her previous trip Down Under.
“Coming here in 2016 it was quite an experience. They're a strong team, but we also have a strong team, with upcoming youngsters, so we are ready to compete with them."
In the ongoing tour in Australia, Klaas has emerged as a key bowler for South Africa after promising performances in the three-match T20I series and the opening ODI. In the shortest format, Klaas picked up three wickets at an average of 18.66 with best figures of two for 16. Meanwhile, in the first ODI, the Botshapelo-born star delivered a return of one for 22 before the visitors succumbed to an eight-wicket loss.
When asked about the South African bowling attack and the challenges of bowling to Australia’s formidable batting line-up, Klaas affirmed, "Our bowling attack has been quite good. It's not only for this tour but we've been doing well for a couple of years. So I must say we have a strong bowling line-up in our team.
"As a bowler, you always want to be the best that you can be. So bowling against a strong team like Australia is always tough. But if you know what you want to do and if you have plans against them, I think it's always going to be - I won't say that easy - but it gets better as time goes by,” she added.
In addition to the battle for the ODI series and multi-format tour, South Africa and Australia are also vying for the top spot on the ICC Women’s Championship (2022-25) log standings, with the Aussies currently in first place on 20 points, and the Proteas in second on 18 following the first ODI.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the ODI series, Klaas radiated confidence when asked about the team’s outlook.
"I’m very much confident with the team that we have,” she concluded.