Batting coach Baakier Abrahams believes the key to success at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be how quickly the Proteas adapt to the conditions in the United Arab Emirates.
The South Africans were bundled out for just 92 on Sunday before New Zealand chased it down in 14.2 overs to claim victory by eight wickets in their opening warm-up match at the 7s Rugby Stadium in Dubai.
It would have been a severe dent to their confidence, especially after they arrived in the UAE fresh from a 2-1 victory over Pakistan.
None of the top-order batters, bar Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt, who reached 33, was able to find a way to score on the sluggish surface.
In an interesting tactical shift, Wolvaardt came to the crease at No 3, with Anneke Bosch sharing the opening berth with Tazmin Brits.
“Obviously a disappointing performance with the bat,” Abrahams said.
“But it was a good opportunity for us to be challenged, and challenged we were. There were not enough partnerships early on, and maybe we didn’t stick to our philosophy and how we want to play.
“The assessment of the conditions is going to be key.”
The batting unit had made major strides on the recent Pakistan tour, especially in the series decider, when they emerged victorious in a high-scoring run chase.
Abrahams, however, feels that having now played a match in the UAE for the first time ever, they will be better prepared moving forward.
“I think the assessment of where the scoring areas are when the wicket plays like it does will be key,” he said.
“It (the pitch) was quite slow. It was a used wicket after being played on yesterday (Saturday). It’s been hot in Dubai, and the wickets are deteriorating more than you would normally expect.
“But that said, it is still about keeping the language positive. It’s about each individual player assessing what is best for their game in these conditions.
“We showed in Pakistan how we can play on good surfaces. It’s just about adapting to the various conditions that we will find at the different venues during the tournament.
“But that’s the exciting part: to see how this team can grow.”
The journey to T20 glory begins now! 🌍🏏
Presenting the fixtures for the Proteas Women in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup taking place in the UAE.
Get ready to support our team as they battle the best in the world! 🇿🇦💪 #AlwaysRising #WozaNawe #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/reECEpviLD
It was New Zealand spin twins Leigh Kasperek (3-7) and Amelia Kerr (3-13) who did the majority of the damage with combined figures of 6-20 from their eight overs.
“I always say success leaves clues, so the way New Zealand bowled they used the dimensions really well, and used the wind really well. Their plans were really good for individual batters,” Abrahams said.
“I think right now, our objective is to get everyone to where they need to be. We’ve had a few people returning from injury and getting them back into form as quickly as possible (is important).
“And after every performance, there is always going to be key learnings, and we can definitely take away what we can from today’s performance and build up to hopefully peak at the right times.
“Disappointed with the overall performance, but it showed us how we can progress.”
The Proteas face India in their final warm-up match tomorrow (4pm start), before their tournament opener against the West Indies on Friday (12pm).