South African spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba stated that her squad is aware of how dangerous Chamari Athapaththu may be in their match.
Against Sri Lanka on Friday, October 17, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The left-handed batter has a solid ODI average of 35.29, but her record versus South Africa is spectacular, with 933 runs in 21 matches at an average of 49.10, including two hundreds and four fifties. Last year, she hit an unbeaten 195 to assist Sri Lanka set a record for the biggest successful run chase in Women’s One-Day Internationals.
While Mlaba stated that the Proteas will not underestimate any team in the showpiece tournament, they intend to focus on their own game.
“I feel like every team is tough to play against. We faced Sri Lanka in a tri-series and also at home, and they beat us in a few games. They definitely have a strong team—the spinners are very good, and Athapaththu herself is outstanding. As a team, we don’t underestimate anyone; we focus on our own game and try our best to win,” Mlaba said in the pre-match press conference.
Sticking to my good lines and length: Mlaba
Mlaba has been in magnificent form in the eight-team tournament. The left-arm spinner is among the leading wicket-takers, having accounted for eight scalps in four games at an average of 17.13 and an economy rate of 4.28. She said that instead of making changes, she sticks to her game plan and that has brought him success more often than not.
“No, no changes, just doing the same thing. One thing that I normally do best and just sticking to my good lines and length and yeah, the rest will take care of itself,” Mlaba added.
Laura Wolvaardt-led South Africa find themselves at No. 3 in the standings with three wins from four games. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are languishing at No. 7 bottom with two wins and two no results in the ongoing tournament.
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