The series forms a key part of the Proteas’ preparation for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. It gets underway in October.

On Wednesday, South Africa claimed a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after thumping Pakistan by eight wickets on a tricky pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium. 

This was thanks to an unbeaten 121 by allrounder Marizanne Kapp and 101 not out from the big-hitting opener, Tazmin Brits.

Tazmin Brits. Photo: Morgan Piek

Getting used to subcontinent conditions and playing as a united team remains the Proteas’ main focus as they gear up for their World Cup opener against England in India next month.

Brits, who notched up her fifth WODI century in Tuesday’s win, said the squad is building strong unity and buying into the collective plan.

“I think it’s actually a lot to do with the management. We’re all buying into the same thing. When you have too many different ideas, that’s usually when plans fall apart.” 

“We’re working on specific things, and it also depends on you as a batter. I’m naturally a bit more aggressive, whereas someone like Laura Wolvaardt often plays the anchor role because she stays in for longer periods.

“Cricket’s a funny game – sometimes you come off, sometimes you don’t. But we set targets for each power play that we try to achieve while only losing one or two wickets.

“So whether it’s during the powerplay, after it, or in the middle overs, you know what your role is. We’re also putting a lot of emphasis on running hard between the wickets. 

“We often underestimate that in ODIs. Turning ones into twos can easily add 30 or 40 runs to the total. Instead of chasing 280, you might suddenly be looking at 320, and that can completely change the game.

Marizanne Kapp. Photo: Morgan Piek

“At the end of the day, it’s about everyone being on the same page. That’s what we’re working towards.”

Brits said while the series is being used to prepare for the World Cup, the Proteas are by no means treating the matches as warm-ups. Winning the series is the goal, as it would boost confidence going into India.

“It’s not just warm-up games, it’s still an international series at the end of the day. 

“It’s great to have a contest like this before the World Cup because you want to be in a good space. You want confidence, whether you’re a bowler, a batter, or just part of the team as a whole.”

Laura Wolvaardt. Photo: Morgan Piek

“When Marizanne and I put on that record partnership, it proved to us – and to the middle order – what’s possible and what’s expected.

“It’s about ticking extra boxes. It’s not just about winning, but about how you win. Over these three matches, we want to build consistency, not just winning big one day and losing the next, but maintaining a steady standard throughout.”

Friday’s second WODI at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is scheduled to get underway at 12:30 local time.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg