The clear and present danger facing the Proteas’ Women’s team in Friday’s Tri-Series ODI clash against Sri Lanka is home team captain Chamari Athapaththu.
The powerful left-handed opener has been a thorn in the Proteas’ side since first coming up against the girls in green way back in 2013.
The intervening years have done nothing to diminish Athapaththu’s powers. In fact, the 35-year-old has only become stronger and more skilful as she notably illustrated last year when Athapaththu clubbed 258 runs to help Sri Lanka share a first-ever ODI series with the Proteas.
Athapaththu’s magnificent 195 not out in Potchefstroom not only bettered her Proteas counterpart Laura Wolvaardt’s undefeated 184, but also helped Sri Lanka chase down a record 301 in one of the most memorable Women’s ODI’s ever.
Athapaththu has been quiet of late, striking just one half-century in her last six innings, which should be seen as forewarning to the Proteas as she’s due a big score.
And coming up against one her favourite opposition – Athapaththu averages 66.28 against the Proteas over the course of her career – the Proteas bowling unit need to be on the mark from the outset at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Proteas bowling coach Dillon du Preez is acutely aware of the threat Athapaththu poses, but feels his charges have prepared well for the challenge.
“I think we all know how dangerous Athapaththu can be,” Du Preez told Independent Media. “We saw that last year in the series against us at home.
“I think at this stage I’m not too concerned. Our preparation went really well and I’m just looking forward to the match.”
The Proteas are, of course, without veteran allrounder Marizanne Kapp in Sri Lanka as she continues her fitness and recovery programme back home. This left Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas to share the new ball with the seam bowling back-up provided by allrounders Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen.
With conditions in Sri Lanka not conducive to seam bowling, the Proteas relied heavily on left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba along with part-timers Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon in the first match against India.
While the bowling unit chipped away, there was a glaring lack of strike-power which allowed India to set up base that saw them score 82 runs in the last 10 overs – ultimately proving crucial to the outcome as the Proteas went down by just 15 runs.
“Looking back at the first game against India, I think we had a pretty decent day in the field with the ball. The last 10 overs were probably not our best, but I think we went for 82 in the last 10,” Du Preez said.
“I don’t think we bowled badly. Sometimes it’s a little bit difficult. I think India had seven wickets in hand, so I actually think we did well. Maybe hindsight, if we can cut down on, say, one or two boundaries, I’d be happy.”
The Proteas haven’t named their starting XI yet, but after handing teenage wicket-keeper Karabo Meso a debut against India midweek, they could turn to another debutant in 19-year-old leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu to add some strike power to the attack against Sri Lanka.
Teenage leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu will be hoping to make her ODI debut against Sri Lanka in the Tri-Series clash against Sri Lanka. Picture: ICC
The Proteas are, of course, without veteran allrounder Marizanne Kapp in Sri Lanka as she continues her fitness and recovery programme back home. This left Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas to share the new ball with the seam bowling back-up provided by allrounders Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen.
With conditions in Sri Lanka not conducive to seam bowling, the Proteas relied heavily on left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba along with part-timers Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon in the first match against India.
While the bowling unit chipped away, there was a glaring lack of strike-power which allowed India to set up base that saw them score 82 runs in the last 10 overs – ultimately proving crucial to the outcome as the Proteas went down by just 15 runs.
“Looking back at the first game against India, I think we had a pretty decent day in the field with the ball. The last 10 overs were probably not our best, but I think we went for 82 in the last 10,” Du Preez said.
“I don’t think we bowled badly. Sometimes it’s a little bit difficult. I think India had seven wickets in hand, so I actually think we did well. Maybe hindsight, if we can cut down on, say, one or two boundaries, I’d be happy.”
The Proteas haven’t named their starting XI yet, but after handing teenage wicket-keeper Karabo Meso a debut against India midweek, they could turn to another debutant in 19-year-old leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu to add some strike power to the attack against Sri Lanka.
After eight years at a leading training institute, Sean Williams has seen firsthand how the role of the modern butler has evolved beyond the traditional image of a silent figure managing a stately home in a crisp suit.Historically, butlers were found in grand British households, overseeing domestic staff, housekeeping, and the overall running of the estate. Today, however, they are just as likely to be found aboard private jets, luxury […]
