The Proteas were in a strong position on Wednesday, before a middle-order collapse saw them fall to a 15-run defeat against India.

There were certainly positives for South Africa, including a 140-run opening stand between captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits.

India posted 276/6 in their 50 overs, with Pratika Rawal scoring 78, while Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 41 runs each.

Nonkululeko Mlaba - Cricinfo

Nonkululeko Mlaba was the pick of the Proteas bowlers, finishing with 2/55 from her 10 overs.

In response, Brits scored a superb 109, Wolvaardt added 43, and Annerie Dercksen chipped in with 30, but South Africa were bowled out for 261 with four balls to spare.
Sneh Rana starred with the ball for India, claiming 5/43 in her 10 overs.

Coach Mandla Mashimbyi said it was a matter of making their opportunities count.

"I'm really proud of the girls – there are a lot of positives we can take from this game," said Mashimbyi.

"I think they showed good fight throughout. Obviously, it didn’t go our way, which is unfortunate, but for me, looking at the game as a whole, it came down to missed opportunities. For most of the match, we actually had control, but we let it slip and India capitalised – with both bat and ball.

"In the field we were a bit sloppy, so that's an area we can work on, but otherwise there's a lot of good stuff we can build on. Tazmin Brits’ century – really, really special to see her bat like that. And I think a few of our bowlers put their hands up.

"Maria stood out, and there are many things we can take from this. The encouraging thing is that this game has highlighted key areas for improvement and growth.

"We’re not here to lose – we’re here to learn and grow, and eventually it will all come together.

"So yes, I’m really proud of the girls. They showed great fight, and while we didn’t nail the key moments, there’s a lot we improved on."

Friday’s clash between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Colombo is scheduled to get underway at 6:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport