Sunday, 21 May is D-day for the Proteas Women in the International Quadrangular Series final against a talented and dangerous India team at Senwes Park.
The Proteas have performed brilliantly in the tournament with a number of old and new faces putting their hands up. A brilliant 8-run win against India on Wednesday, 17 May was the cherry on the cake thus far.
Captain, Suné Luus has been outstanding with her leg spin, picking up crucial wickets while Shabnim Ismail has been the key wicket taker early on in the innings.
The youngster, Laura Wolvaardt (18) has also been impressive with a brilliant 149 against Ireland in the Proteas 178-run win earlier in the week.
The wicketkeeper, Trisha Chetty has also contributed with the bat in the tournament with a fine 70 against Ireland. India, too, has been a powerhouse in Potchefstroom these past two weeks and easily defeated Zimbabwe, Ireland and the hosts, South Africa, in the group matches.
India’s opening pair of Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut also broke records against Ireland with a 320-run opening partnership this Monday – the highest ever in Women’s ODI cricket. Raut also made 188, which is the second highest individual score in Women’s ODI history. India’s pace bowler, Jhulan Goswami also posted the record for the most wickets (181) in women’s ODI history against Zimbabwe earlier on in the week.

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SA coach, Hilton Moreeng was positive ahead of the final on Sunday and believes the entire tournament has been a good learning curve.
‘The biggest challenge has been playing the spin and it is something we have adapted to well. It is all about building partnerships in the middle and using the conditions better,’ he said. ‘Our batters have had enough time in the middle and our bowlers have already done really well. The highlight, thus far, has been the century from one of the youngsters, Laura Wolvaardt. It was great to see how she paced her innings,’ he said. Moreeng also encouraged supporters to come to the stadium for the Proteas’ upcoming games and the final on Sunday. ‘It would be great if the cricket loving public in the North West come and show their support. The girls are looking forward to finishing the tournament off on a high.’