Five key strategies for Proteas to defeat Scotland in the T20 World Cup

Zaahier Adams|Published 5 months ago

England turned the screws on the Proteas women on Monday, beat SA by seven wickets. Reuters

Zaahier Adams

The Proteas were found wanting against England in their last ICC T20 Women's World Cup clash in Sharjah. They now head to Dubai for a must-win clash against Scotland. Zaahier Adams picks five focus areas.

Tazmin Brits on the drive against India. | Reuters

Dominate the Powerplay

Both with bat and ball, the Proteas need to exert their early dominance on the Scots, who are playing in their first T20 World Cup. The last thing the Proteas want is for the debutants to grow into the game and gain confidence the longer they stay in the contest.

Nonkululeko Mlaba celebrates the wicket of England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge. | Reuters

Be clinical

The Proteas fielding, particularly their catching, against England left a lot to be desired with three catches spilled. If the Proteas are to be genuine contenders at this T20 World Cup, they will need to significantly improve their efforts in the field.

Marizanne Kapp must be promoted up the batting order. | Reuters

Get Marizanne Kapp up the order

While the Proteas are wary of managing Kapp’s workload, especially in regards to her bowling after the team has batted first, the world’s premier all-rounder can't be sitting in the dug out while dot balls are being chewed up in the middle. Kapp needs to walk in at No 3, especially if there has been a positive start by the openers.

Nonkululeko Mlaba reacts after England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge boundry. | Reuters

Be accurate

The spin bowling contingent were not on the mark against England, and in these helpful conditions for the slow bowlers, there has to be a greater accuracy. Dot balls create pressure which leads to wickets and the Proteas spinners need to be on the mark.

Cricket - Women's Cricket T20 World Cup - England v South Africa - Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates - October 7, 2024 South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt in action REUTERS/Satish Kumar

Take care of the Net Run-Rate

The Proteas don't only need to win today, but they also need to win well.

The West Indies trounced Scotland within 12 overs to significantly boost their NRR and have given themselves a lifeline should they beat England. The Proteas do not want to find themselves in the position where calculators need to be hauled out. A convincing win over the Scots will ensure that doesn’t happen.