The Proteas have faced Wales on 19 prior occasions and recorded wins each time. This Friday was their 20th battle overall as well as their 4th World Cup game against each other and South Africa managed to maintain their perfect record against the Welsh with a 61-50 win.

The Proteas opening win of the tournament marked coach Norma Plummer’s 100th win in 153 international games and she stated that was happy with the ladies’ performance on Friday evening. 

“I am thrilled with how we played tonight; I will take the win even though I thought we could have done better,” said Plummer.

Ine-Mari Venter was named player of the match after the opening game and was well deserved as she occupied the goal circle. 

On Saturday afternoon, the 5th ranked Proteas faced the 15th ranked Sri-Lanka in the second pool game of the World Cup. 

South Africa claimed an impressive 87-32 win over Sri-Lanka marking their second win of the tournament. 

Netball SA shared that history was made for the South African side as key players, Karla Pretorius and Ine-Mari Venter claimed milestones heading into the game. Star defender Karla earned her 100th cap and Ine-Mari got her 50th start for South Africa with an appearance in the last 15 minutes.

The Proteas dominated the game from the start and went into half-time leading the game 45-18. They continued to apply pressure onto the Sri Lankans, finding gaps in their defence and managing to edge them with an impressive lead of over 50 points. 

Jeante Strydom impressed as she claimed most valuable player of the game after making her debut the day before. She stated that she is very privileged to be there and to claim this title at this point of the tournament.

In their last stage 1 game, the Proteas will face the Sunshine Girls of Jamaica this evening at 18:00 on CTICC1. 

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport