
25 March
The South African women’s cricket team opened their challenge at the Women’s World T20 with a convincing 44-run victory over Pakistan in Sylhet, Bangladesh on Sunday.
Mignon du Preez’s team entered the tournament with a loss to the West Indies and a win over Bangladesh in warm-up matches. Against Pakistan, they dominated the contest.
South African batting
Batting first, South African posted 163 without loss in their 20 overs, with Dane van Niekerk hitting an unbeaten 90 off just 66 balls, with 13 fours and one six, while Lizelle Lee finished on 67 not out, including eight fours and a six.
In reply, Pakistan struggled to just 119 for 9 in their 20 overs. Marizanne Kapp led the South African bowlers with a return of 3 for 16 in their four overs, while Sune Luus captured 2 for 18 and Shabnim Ismail 2 for 20.
‘Everything just went our way’
“Today was one of those days when everything just went our way,” SA skipper Du Preez said after the match.
“I’m extremely proud of the way the team executed all our game plans and went about their business. Full credit must be given to Dane and Lizelle for setting up the game well for us and giving us a really good score to defend.
“Beating Pakistan in a world tournament is not a simple assignment and I’m really happy with the way the team played today. We now just look to carry this momentum into the next game and hopefully playing with the same energy and drive as we did today,” she added.
Australia
South Africa face a tough next match, taking on defending champions Australia in Sylhet on Tuesday.
“It’s a huge game for us,” Du Preez said.
“Australia are not a side to take lightly on any day. They are world champs for a reason, but we just have to concentrate ourselves and play the game of our lives come Tuesday and not worry about the rest.”
South Africa head into the contest top of Group A, which also includes New Zealand, who edged the Australians by seven runs in their first outing.
SAinfo reporter and Cricket South Africa