South Africa will play their final warm-up match before the global showpiece, and it promises to be a stern test as they take on the White Ferns of New Zealand at Loughborough University.

The Proteas claimed a hard-fought 16-run victory over Ireland at the same venue on Saturday, but it was a performance the team felt could have been sharper. Despite that, there is confidence within the camp they will be fully dialled in by the time the tournament gets underway this weekend.

All-rounder Annerie Dercksen sweeping against Ireland. Photo: ICC

South Africa last faced the White Ferns in April when they suffered a 4-1 defeat in a five-match T20 International series in New Zealand. However, they responded impressively by securing a series victory over India on home soil a few weeks later, regaining momentum and confidence ahead of the World Cup.

The Proteas have also had valuable game time against Australia during their tour of England, recording a win, a washout and a defeat in three matches. Australia are also the side South Africa will face in their tournament opener at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday.

Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp admitted the Proteas had to dig deep against Ireland, particularly after a frustrating week of poor weather, but said the time spent in the middle was invaluable.

“Look, I’m not going to lie, it probably wasn’t our best game of cricket,” said Kapp. “We started well with the bat, and then we kind of just lost our way there. 

“But it was a good outing as well, especially for the bowlers, just to get a ball. The weather has been terrible the last week, so I feel a bit underprepared. Today was very much needed for us.“

Kapp also revealed she is still working her way into rhythm ahead of the tournament. “I don’t have rhythm yet, to be honest, so it’s not feeling great at the moment. Luckily, we still have time to work on that. 

“Obviously, again, the weather is also a bit windy. I’m not used to this in England, so it’s been a bit of a struggle.”

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt scored 65 against Ireland. Photo: ICC

“I’m not feeling great at the moment, but it’ll take some time, and hopefully I’ll get there by the time we start the first game.”

She said it is important for the Proteas to remain fearless and stick to the processes that have brought them success as they target a third successive T20 World Cup final and aim to finally lift the trophy.

“I think it’s just to play positive and work on the things you want to work on, but still try and dominate, even though we probably didn't do that today.” 

Captain Amelia Kerr scored 51* against Bangladesh. Photo: ICC

“It’s about working on the things that you as an individual want to work on and, in doing that, also play positive cricket. I feel like we probably did that with the first half of the game with the bat, and then we kind of just lost our game.”

Kapp believes captain Laura Wolvaardt, who is currently among the form batters in T20 International cricket, will once again play a crucial role in South Africa's campaign.

“Wolvaardt is always a banker – she performs, especially on the big stage, so we know we’re going to get runs from her.” 

Izzy Sharp scored 46 against Bangladesh. Photo: ICC

“But I would still like the team as a whole to chip in, probably a little bit more. Even though it’s not always that easy in T20 cricket, it’s great to have a leader that leads that way.”

Play between South Africa and New Zealand at Loughborough is scheduled to get underway at 16:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek  dg