Proteas Women bank on subcontinent experience in Pakistan ahead of World Cup

THE PROTEAS Women’s squad touched down in Lahore this week with plenty of know-how in their ranks. Most of the players have already tested themselves in Pakistan’s conditions over the past two years, and those memories could prove vital when the three-match One-Day International series begins on September 16.

Familiar territory for Proteas stars

Apart from 17-year-old wicketkeeper Karabo Meso, who is making her maiden trip, every player in the touring squad has first-hand knowledge of Pakistan pitches and opposition. For many, it will be about tapping into performances that defined earlier tours.

On the bowling front, the subcontinent has rewarded South Africa’s slower seamers. Tumi Sekhukhune, for instance, finished as the top wicket-taker in last year’s T20I series, claiming five scalps in three games at an average of 14.

A year earlier, Nadine de Klerk made her mark with eight wickets in three ODIs at an average of 11. She also chipped in with the bat, notching an unbeaten half-century that was central to the visitors’ 2-1 series win.

With the bat, senior players Marizanne Kapp and Sune Luus set the standard during the 2022 ODI series in Karachi. Kapp topped the run-scoring charts with 150 runs in three innings, including a sparkling century, while Luus posted her maiden ODI hundred and followed it up with 127 runs at an average of 64.

Those displays, still fresh in memory, set a clear benchmark for the squad as they now prepare for Lahore.

World Cup dress rehearsal

The timing of this series is hard to ignore. Just eight days after the final ODI on 22 September, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup gets under way. With matches in India and Sri Lanka awaiting, the conditions in Pakistan offer the Proteas a valuable dress rehearsal.

Team management will also use the week to refine their best XI. There are still questions over the line-up, particularly around top-order batter Anneke Bosch.

The 32-year-old has yet to play international cricket this year, but the coaches suggested she looked in good touch during the recent training camp in Durban.

Whether Bosch walks straight back into the side or not, other batting options are on the table. Annerie Dercksen and Chloe Tryon impressed in Sri Lanka, South Africa’s last subcontinent tour, and could be pushed higher up the order to test their readiness for bigger roles at the World Cup.

Key week in Lahore

The upcoming ODIs are South Africa’s second series in Pakistan in as many years, and the third trip overall in the same period. For a squad already familiar with the challenges of the region, it is less about acclimatising and more about sharpening the finer details.

By the end of the week in Lahore, the Proteas will have a clearer sense of both their combinations and their momentum heading into the global stage.

For a team chasing their first World Cup crown, the lessons learned here could prove decisive.