Indore – Still feeling the sting of being rolled for 69 by England, South Africa Women have chosen perspective over panic. Wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta believes a change of scenery and a clear head can steady the side before Monday’s World Cup meeting with New Zealand.
“We always knew coming into a tournament like this, games like this happen,” Jafta said on Sunday, reflecting on the Guwahati collapse. “Because it’s such a long tournament, we just have to accept what has happened. Laura [Wolvaardt] capped it off nicely and said, we don’t become a bad batting unit overnight. Obviously, homework was done, and now we’re just looking forward to the next one.”
Key facts first
• South Africa were dismissed in 31.2 overs against England, their lowest ODI total since 2016.
• They now move to Indore, where New Zealand have already played once in this event.
• The two sides last met in a 50-over match in October 2023; South Africa won a tight series 2-1.
• Both countries are coming off defeats – New Zealand fell to Australia by five wickets.
Fresh surroundings, clear thinking
“We had to leave the town [Guwahati] behind us. When you look and you’re coming into Indore, the people have been fantastic. For us, it’s like a fresh perspective,” Jafta said. She noted the venue’s high-scoring reputation and urged her batters to settle early. “For us as a batting unit, it’s just to knuckle down and bat. Don’t think too much about the outcome. Just take it one ball at a time.”
Where it went wrong
Jafta accepted that England exposed South Africa’s anxiety at the crease. “We were a bit rushed,” she admitted. “We weren’t really present in that moment. When I went back, I realised I wasn’t really present in the delivery I went out. It wasn’t a good day, but we won’t dwell on it. We’ve got another opportunity.”
Respect for the opposition
New Zealand, beaten finalists in last year’s T20 World Cup, still command respect. “You have the likes of Amelia Kerr, Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine – players who’ve been playing for a really long time,” Jafta pointed out. “But also, you’re not underestimating your Georgia Plimmer, your [Maddy] Greens, your Izzy Gaze – she came off. For us as a bowling unit, it’s about being very disciplined in how we go about our things.”
Recent sub-continent experience
South Africa’s build-up featured mixed results: a 2-1 T20I win in Pakistan followed by a lean tri-series in Colombo. Jafta insists those trips still hold value. “We’ve been playing in these conditions – it’s nothing new,” she said. “I always make a joke, we’ve probably faced all of these deliveries in net sessions. Why can’t we just go into a game and execute? We had a blowout, but we’ve got New Zealand ahead of us.”
Focus on execution
Coach Hilton Moreeng has encouraged a short memory. “We know that when it comes to being tactical, they [New Zealand] are probably high up there, so we have to bring in full intensity. Coach has said, ‘Leave everything behind. Tomorrow is another opportunity.’ A lot of different individuals will put up their hands in tomorrow’s game,” Jafta added.
Analysis – where SA can adjust
1. Opening stand: Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits managed only eight runs against England. A patient first ten overs would anchor the innings.
2. Spin security: Amelia Kerr’s leg-spin removed South Africa’s middle order in the 2024 T20 final; early use of feet or the sweep could blunt her threat.
3. Bowling lengths: Masabata Klaas and Marizanne Kapp found decent carry in Pakistan by staying back of a length – a similar approach might suit Indore’s surface early on.
South Africa have been here before – chastened one day, competitive the next. Monday offers another chance to prove that 69 all out was an aberration, not a trend.