The Proteas Women know exactly what is at stake heading into their final group match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Victory over Bangladesh would keep South Africa firmly in the race for a place in the semi-finals, but assistant coach Claire Terblanche insists the team is focused solely on controlling what they can.
“I think that we’re just going to focus on what we’ve been doing, taking into account the positives from the Netherlands game and bringing that into our game against Bangladesh,” Terblanche said ahead of Saturday’s clash at Lord’s.
While qualification could ultimately depend on the outcome of the Australia versus India encounter later in the day, South Africa’s attention remains fixed on securing the two points.
“We know what we need to do. It’s kind of like that ball-by-ball situation and match-by-match,” she explained.
“It comes down to Bangladesh and South Africa. Yes, we have to win it, and after the game it is then out of our hands what happens between Australia and India. But as long as we’re focusing on what we’re going to be doing, the result will take care of itself.”
South Africa head into the match full of confidence after producing their most complete batting display of the tournament against the Netherlands.
Terblanche singled out Tazmin Brits’ record-breaking century as the perfect example of the aggressive approach the coaching staff have been encouraging.
“Coach Mandla Mashimbyi spoke about our brand of cricket and how we want to be batting,” she said.
“I think Tazmin just stepped up to the plate, especially in that powerplay with Wolfie, and taking that game forward.”
Brits’ 114 from just 61 deliveries made her only the second South African woman to score a T20I century.
“The 114 from, I think, like 61 balls was fantastic.”
Terblanche also praised the contributions of senior players throughout the tournament, highlighting the importance of different individuals delivering in key moments.
“I think it’s different players stepping up during different matches.”
“It just shows to us that there are people within our squad that are coming together quite nicely and performing when we need them to.”
South Africa’s campaign has unfolded in what many labelled the “Group of Death”, alongside Australia and India, with qualification only set to be decided on the final day.
Despite the pressure, Terblanche believes the Proteas have handled the challenge well.
“I think each game we just take it as it comes.”
“In a T20 anything can happen, and it’s just shown in both groups actually that it’s been quite surprising some of the time, the results that have come to the fore.”
One of South Africa’s biggest positives has been their recent success against India, having now won five of their last six T20 internationals against the Asian giants.
Terblanche believes there are several reasons behind that record.
“I just think there’s a step up in energy, there’s a step up in confidence.”
“I think obviously also from the 50-over World Cup, there’s also some revenge playing a part.”
The occasion will also be a memorable one for several members of the squad as they prepare to play at Lord’s for the first time.
“The ladies walked in, first thing they did was whip out their phones, took a couple of pictures, couple of videos,” Terblanche said with a smile.
“They’re very excited to be at Lord’s and play tomorrow.”
Terblanche has fond memories of playing at the iconic venue herself, even if the result with the bat was less memorable.
“My experience playing at Lord’s, it was a bit overwhelming because we didn’t always get to play in such beautiful stadiums as Lord’s.”
“I scored a duck that day, which wasn’t great, but played at Lord’s.”
Away from the field, Terblanche also reflected on the remarkable growth of women’s cricket over the past decade.
“You’ve just seen teams across the world improve in leaps and bounds.”
“The matches, especially T20, have become a lot closer.”
She believes South Africa’s run to the final of the previous T20 World Cup has also inspired a new generation back home.
“We’ve actually noticed more people, men and ladies and young girls and young boys, being more interested in women’s cricket.”
“Even people that don’t understand cricket have now been asking questions around cricket.”
“The interest has grown tremendously.”
That growing interest was evident during South Africa’s training session at Lord’s, where youngsters from Khayelitsha, touring England through the Gary Kirsten Foundation, had the opportunity to watch the Proteas prepare.
“Having them here and seeing us train is actually quite fantastic,” Terblanche said.
“I think they absolutely enjoyed themselves.”
With a fully fit squad available for selection and a place in the semi-finals still within reach, South Africa know exactly what is required.
Win against Bangladesh.
Then hope the results elsewhere fall in their favour.