Proteas ‘in a good space’ ahead of crucial Tri-Series clash against New Zealand

Women's Cricket

A victory can do a lot to increase the confidence of a team and the Proteas are no different as they head into their fourth match of the T20 Tri-Series in high spirits after their successful encounter against England over the weekend.

Vice-captain, Chloe Tryon says it is all systems go when they come up against New Zealand in their round of double-header matches in Bristol on Thursday.

After an important six-wicket triumph against England last Saturday, South Africa are re-energised and know what is required of them if they are to feature in Sunday’s Tri-Series final. The Proteas will need to convincingly beat New Zealand before hoping the same opponents do them a favour by defeating England – leaving all three sides on four points, with net run-rate deciding the finalists.

Tryon believes the side will take a lot of momentum into tomorrow’s game from their confidence-building win.

“The girls are in a good space and we are looking forward to tomorrow,” she commented. “The mood is really good, especially after the England game. We are on a big high and the girls are very excited to play New Zealand. We are taking a lot of positives from the England game and we are looking to implement our plans from today’s practice.”

South Africa will still have bitter memories of their last fixture at the Bristol County Ground where they lost the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final against England last year, but Tryon happily reports that they have moved on from that experience and are looking forward to making newer and happier memories when they face the White Ferns.

“We’re hoping they will keep the grass on (the pitch),” Tryon laughed. “There is a bit of grass on it and our seamers are smiling a little, but we’ll see how it goes. Everyone is just working on what they need to. It’s about taking care of your own space and the girls are looking in great nick at the moment.”

In the last T20 encounter between the two sides, South Africa suffered a heavy defeat, losing by 66 runs after New Zealand posted a world-record total (at the time) of 216/1. But Tryon insists that the team has moved on from that loss and are looking forward to pitting themselves up against the Kiwis.

“It’s in the past now,” Tryon maintains. “We can’t dwell too much on what happened. We know what happened in that game and we felt that we just needed to put that game in the past and work on our plans against them.”

Despite their two defeats, the Tri-Series has provided ideal preparation for the Proteas as they look ahead to the ICC World Women’s T20 later this year and with the recent announcement of the tournament’s schedule, the foundation has been laid ahead of the global event. South Africa was drawn in Group A alongside England and Tryon believes this series has gone a long way in readying the side for what awaits in the West Indies in November.

“They are both quality sides, two among the best teams in the world,” Tryon said. “It is nice to play against them and to know what to expect at the World Cup. Teams are getting stronger now and you can’t underestimate any of them.

“We’ve got to play every game at our full potential,” she concluded.

South Africa will take on New Zealand at 14:00 (CAT) tomorrow before the double-header is completed with an exciting clash between England and New Zealand, which will ultimately decide the two teams that will feature in Sunday’s decider.

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