The excitement is mounting the Proteas Women’s camp ahead of their historic T20 International against Pakistan in Karachi on Friday evening.

The T20 World Cup runners-up are in Pakistan for the first time ever, and they will face the team from the subcontinent in a series of three T20 Internationals, as well as, three One-Day Internationals.

The ODI’s in particular will be important for the Proteas as it counts towards their qualification for the next 50-over World Cup.

The destructive batter, Tazmin Brits, who was set to compete in the women’s javelin at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England, but missed out due to a road accident, is one of the more senior players in the Proteas camp, but even for her it is a new experience.

The former North West Dragons player, who was a star for South Africa in the T20 World Cup in Cape Town, said despite the heat, there is a buzz in the camp.

“It's quite amazing to be at this historic stadium,” said Brits.

“It's a massive field with massive lights - the grass looks good and the wickets look good, so it's quite exciting to be here.

“We are a bit nervous and excited at the same time, but I think it will be quite good for the girls to get out of their comfort zone. Being in Pakistan for the first time with wickets like this is something that we are not really used to.

“It's going to be exciting and challenging, but then of course we have the heat to feal with.”

Friday’s 1st T20 International in Karachi starts at 7am.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport