Mashimbyi wants Proteas Women to play ‘important moments’ better against Sri Lanka

The Proteas Women team can take some comfort from the fact that rarely do India get beaten on the sub-continent. 

Especially, as the last time these two teams met in similar conditions in this format, India swept the board 3-0.

Therefore, pushing this mighty Indian team all the way virtually up to the penultimate over, when they lost three wickets within four balls to ultimately derail their attempted record run chase, is an improvement.

This is at least according to head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, who now has a clearer idea of what he is dealing with after five months into his new job.

The ODI Tri-Series is Mashimbyi’s first official series in charge after only being an observer during the incoming England tour last summer.

“I’m really proud of the girls. There are a lot of positives we can take out of this game. I think they showed a good fight throughout,” Mashimbyi said after the 15-run defeat in their tri-series opener against India in Colombo on Tuesday.

“Obviously it didn’t go our way, which was quite unfortunate. 

“But I think for me, as I summarised the whole game, it was a game of missed opportunities.

“For the majority of the match, we actually had control of the game, and we let it go away from us and that’s when they capitalised with both bat and ball.”

Mashimbyi has already identified areas, most notably the fielding, where he would like to see an improvement ahead of the second game against hosts Sri Lanka at the same venue on Friday (6.30am SA time start).

“There are so many things that we can take out,” the former Titans men’s coach said.

“In the field, we were a bit sloppy, so that’s something we can work on.

“The nice thing about this game for me is to identify the areas that we can really improve and grow in. That’s why we're never here to lose, but we’re here to learn and grow.”

He was also quick to point out the positives, namely Tazmin Brits’ superb third ODI century, with the opener showing plenty of grit and determination to come back out at No 9 after succumbing to cramps in the severe Colombo heat and humidity earlier in the day. 

“There is a lot of positive stuff that I can speak to. Tazmin Brits’ 100!” Mashimbyi said. “It’s really, really special to see her bat like that. 

“And then there were a couple of bowlers that put their hands up. Maria (Klaas) put her hand up.

“Everything will eventually come together. So, I’m really proud of the girls.

“They showed a good fight, and I think there are a lot of things that we were better at. We just didn’t play those important moments really well.”