The Proteas opening batter Laura Wolvaardt - who has been struggling with the bat in the tournament thus far – believes that the game on Tuesday, is important to her career but she is excited for playing on her home ground in front of her friends and family. “As a team we just need to stay calm and everything will go our way” she said as encouragement to the team.

“Tuesday is a really big game, so our focus is mostly on that and what we need to do to beat Bangladesh” she added.

According to Wolvaardt they understand what they did wrong and what they need to do to fix it, and this will come down to execution.

The Proteas enter the match with a superior net run-rate so just a victory will be enough to qualify for the semi-finals, where they are likely to meet the second ranked England.

Wolvaardt added that the support they have received from the home support in the tournament has been amazing and it will be no different on Tuesday.

“The crowds have all been amazing, especially the one in Gqeberha which was loud with a live band. We are expecting lots of people tomorrow as it is my home ground at Newlands.”

Bangladesh who were thumped by 71-runs by New Zealand on Friday, cannot qualify for the semi-finals even if they managed a win against South Africa. This because they haven’t won a single game yet, but there is also no way for them to overtake Sri Lanka or New Zealand on the log. They are dangerous as they have nothing to lose, and they have the potential to derail the Proteas plans.

The clash between South Africa and Bangladesh is set to begin at 19:00 at Newlands.

Zenande Mpame/OFM Sport