Proteas embark on World Cup preparations with India challenge in tri-series
The Laura Wolvaardt-led side will lock horns with India in their tri-series opener on April 29.
The Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt is in high spirits ahead of their opening game against India on Tuesday in the ongoing tri-series.
While South Africa will be playing their first fixture in the tournament, India secured a dominant nine-wicket victory over hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday to kickstart their campaign.
"We've had some good prep. We had some camps during the last couple of months where we did scenario-type stuff to replicate the game time that we didn't have. Hopefully, we're able to start tomorrow on the right foot," Wolvaardt told reporters on Monday.
The tri-series marks the first assignment for Mandla Mashimbyi after being appointed as the new head coach of South Africa Women, as the team begin their preparations for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, set to take place in India later this year.
“It's our first full tour with Coach Mandla. So far, he's been great. He's come with a big presence, already implemented a lot of changes, and does things differently to what we've maybe done in the past. I hope it'll be good for the group going forward.”
The Sri Lanka tournament feature three sides, which Wolvaardt believes is an exciting opportunity as it replicates the atmosphere and pressure of a World Cup.
"A tri-series like this is great. It sort of gives a World Cup kind of feel where you have to prep for different teams in the same tournament and hopefully qualify for a final.
"I think we have a bit of everything with the ball, which is awesome. It's probably the most spinners that I've had in a squad since I've been captain, so I'm quite excited about that."
Every Laura Wolvaardt boundary | WT20WC 2024
India walk into the contest with recent ODI results against the Proteas Women in their favor, having won 18 out of their last 31 matches. However, South Africa have had a positive buildup, with their preparations in Sri Lankan conditions proving to be hugely beneficial, believes captain Laura Wolvaardt.
“It's been a good few days (in Colombo). We mainly used the time to get used to conditions and the heat, especially.
"It's been very hot and humid here, a lot different to what we're used to at home, where it's a bit cooler at the moment.
“The cricket conditions as well, getting used to the ground, and spending some time in the nets has been good, and we are ready to go tomorrow.”