Five takeaways from Proteas Women’s warm-up win over Pakistan ahead of World Cup

The Proteas Women ticked several important boxes in their final World Cup warm-up match on Sunday, sealing a four-wicket win over Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Chasing 230, South Africa reached the target in the 40th over, showing great resilience after a shaky start. With their tournament opener against England looming on Friday, here are five key takeaways from the performance.

Chloe Tryon anchors with experience

Tryon once gain underlined her importance to the Proteas team with both bat and ball. She conceded a mere 13 runs off her five overs of spin at an impressive economy rate of 2.6, taking one wicket, to keep Pakistan in check during the middle overs. She also struck an unbeaten 45 off 39 balls with the bat to provided the finishing touches to the match. That role of enforcer and stabiliser is one Marizanne Kapp also fulfils well for South Africa, and will be critical against England, where early breakthroughs or collapses could define the match.

Middle-order depth proves crucial

After losing early wickets, the Proteas’ middle order stood tall. Anneke Bosch scored a run-a-ball 58, Sune Luus added 54, while Tryon’s unbeaten 45 guided the Proteas home. Allrounder Nadine de Klerk also chipped in with runs, to go with an excellent bowling performance. This spread of contributions highlighted that South Africa are not overly reliant on skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, who both fell cheaply, and that others are ready to shoulder responsibility. 

Bowling attack looking sharp

South Africa restricted Pakistan to 229/9 despite being asked to bowl first. Ayabonga Khaka’s control up front (2/40 in five overs) and Masabata Klaas’ variations in the middle overs ensured Pakistan never accelerated. The two seamers took two wickets apiece. Spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba also picked up a vital wicket and applied pressure through tight lines. Against England’s power hitters, this balance of pace and spin will be crucial.

Fielding still a concern

If there was a blot on the copybook, it came in the field. The Proteas continue to drop catches and give away runs to misfields. While there are signs of improvement after the low of five dropped  catches in the second ODI against Pakistan in Lahore, those lapses could prove costly in a World Cup environment, especially against top-ranked sides. Expect this to be a major focus in the final training sessions before Friday’s opening match.

Confidence and momentum secured

Having beaten Pakistan with overs to spare, and with different match winners stepping up, the Proteas have momentum on their side. It also allows coach Mandla Mashimbyi to point to clear positives – depth, bowling discipline, and resilience under pressure – while addressing weaknesses in fielding and early batting stability. England will be a far sterner test on Friday in the World Cup opener. They boast a formidable top order and a potent seam attack. But South Africa can take confidence from this win: their senior players are in form, their middle order looks reliable, and their bowling unit appears ready for the challenge.