he Proteas practically outplayed Sri Lanka , Pakistan , Bangladesh, and New Zealand, even pulled the rabbit out of the hat against India , however, they simply seem at bay competing against Australia and England.
South Africa has a strong batting lineup , but today, they face the challenge of England.
Laura Wolvaardt, the captain alongside Marrizane Kapp , Tazmin Brits, and Sune Luus must believe in themselves and not leave pinch hitting power of Nadine de Klerk to bail them out.
In all honesty runs from the bat of Sinalo Jaffa, the wicket keeper must be considered a bonus. Hence, the top four must take responsibility.
South African batters were undone by the quality leg spin of Alina King against Australia, but this time, it is the high arm delivery and the left arm orthodox spin of Sophie Ecclestone they need to cope with.
England can exploit the Proteas because their tenancy to choke under pressure. It is important that Laura Wolvaardt plays a long innings and cope with Lindsay Smith and her late inswing and ensures that she guides the rest of her top order , to not lose wickets against the seam of Laura Bell and Lindsay Smith.
England skipper Nat Sciver Brunt will bowl her seamers as well , but a positive mindset and approach by South Africa batters can upset the apple cart of England.
England depends a lot on Ammy Jones , Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, and Nat Sciver Brunt. The rest of the batters struggled, especially the middle order.
Sophie Dunkley seems poor on Indian conditions, Charlie Dean and Alice Capsey are not in the class of the Australian or the Indian middle order , hence, South Africa can see the light at the end of the tunnel, if they can exploit the top 4 batters.
The big question is, do they have the bowlers ? This depends purely on 30 important overs to be bowled by Marrizane Kapp , Caloe Tyrone, and the left arm orthodox spin of Nonkulka Malaba , who is amongst the top 4 in this years world cup as the leading wicket grabbers.
The rest of the South African bowlers in the likes of Mosambia Klass seem to be effective against left-handers , Nadine De Klerk, who bowls medium pace, has not impressed with the ball in hand. However, she has been an important cog in the Wheel for South Africa, mainly due to her power hitting at the back end.
Play gets underway at 3 pm IST. I hope Mother Nature will give us a game today.
Win predictor South Africa, 49 % my England 51 %.
I personally feel the Proteas might spring a surprise.
