South Africa head into the clash full of confidence after their stunning victory over co-hosts India on Thursday, but they know Bangladesh will present a different challenge.

While the Proteas are still riding high after that impressive result against India, it’s important for them to stay focused on the job at hand if they want to keep building momentum, racking up wins, and improving their all-important net run rate.

Proteas Women. Photo: Cricinfo

A win against Bangladesh will move South Africa up to third on the log, ahead of India, who lost by three wickets to defending champions Australia on Sunday.

Seamer Tumi Sekhukhune said the team cannot afford to underestimate Bangladesh, and that they’re focused on looking forward rather than dwelling on past results.

“I think the team is super excited and looking forward to all the upcoming games.” 

“We enjoyed the win, but we don’t want to dwell on it. We’re focusing on the next matches, as they’re just as important as the one we played.”

She said Bangladesh will pose a very different challenge, particularly with their slower bowlers. “I think it’s going to be a very tough game for us against Bangladesh.” 

Proteas celebrating a wicket by Nonkululeko Mlaba. Photo: Cricinfo

“We know they’ll come with more slow bowlers, especially the spinners. As a team, we’ve said we want to take things one step at a time, one ball at a time, and make sure we tick the boxes we missed in previous games.

“If we do that, hopefully we’ll come out on the right side of the result.”

Sekhukhune concluded by saying although South Africa still have matches against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Australia after Bangladesh, the focus remains firmly on the present.

Marizanne Kapp. Photo: Cricinfo

“Firstly, there’s no easy team – we take every game seriously. Australia are playing now, and we’ll be watching to pick up a few pointers for our upcoming games. But for now, our full attention is on Bangladesh.”

Monday’s all-important clash between South Africa and Bangladesh at the ACA-VDCA Stadium is scheduled to start at 11:30

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg