The Proteas Under-19 women’s team plan on playing an expressive and attacking style of cricket at the T20 World Cup in Malaysia, according to head coach Dinesha Devnarain.
Devnarain spoke to Independent Media Sport yesterday before their third and final match of their series against the United States in Cape Town.
The SA Under-19 squad currently lead the series 2-0, and it could just be the confidence-booster the team needed before the tournament starts on January 18.
After a dominant performance on Tuesday, South Africa won the match by seven wickets.
The 15-member squad were set to play their final warm-up game yesterday before departing for Malaysia tomorrow.
“I think we have quite a balanced team, from all three ends of the game: batting, bowling and fielding. We have put a lot of work into this squad,” Devnarain said.
“If I’m not mistaken, we have been going at it for the past 18 months, so I think we are confident in terms of preparedness.
“We have been using these warm-up games to find our stride and balance, and also just to brush up on the batting and bowling.
“In terms of strategies, yes, we definitely go in there with a plan, so I can’t give too much away.
“But I can say we are going to be ourselves, play expressive and attacking cricket, and give it our all.”
In 2023, India beat England to win the Under-19 T20 World Cup, which was held in South Africa. The host nation were knocked out during the quarter-final or ‘Super 6’ round.
But the Proteas hope to claim their first T20 World Cup victory in Malaysia, and will also play every game with the same level of focus, the head coach added.
“When it comes to these types of tournaments, you can’t really say which team is a favourite, because we are all gunning for it,” Devnarain said.
“Any team can have a good day and good week, and take that trophy home. We will only really know once the group stages are over.
“Our first match of the tournament is against New Zealand, so we are definitely going in with a winning mindset. Try to make the semi-final, and then hopefully win the tournament.”
In a proud and symbolic moment, the South Africa U19 Women’s World Cup Squad were officially capped at a special ceremony at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday.
The event, themed ‘Capping Future Stars of the Game,’ was held during Day 3 of the Proteas Men’s Test match… pic.twitter.com/1hruzBHOnP
The 35-year-old Chatsworth-born former Proteas cricketer will take part in her second T20 World Cup as the coach.
Devnarain said it was also an exciting time in her career, recalling the capping ceremony at Newlands recently as a “goosebump” moment.
The SA Under-19 women’s squad held their capping ceremony at Newlands last week, during the Proteas Men’s Test against Pakistan.
“That moment was really special for all of the young players and staff included. To be at such a young age and experience accolades at such a high level is a great start for these young women,” Devnarain said.
“They got a chance to walk out onto the grounds and parade in front of the Newlands crowd during the tea break. It was a goosebump moment for all of us.
“Just knowing that so many people back home are watching and hoping we win is a massive motivation for the team.”
Going into the tournament with a World Cup campaign under her belt, Devnarain plans on utilising her experience to try and seize a victory.
“I definitely learnt a lot from the previous World Cup and understand that we are in an opportunity to win,” she said.
“We put in a lot of work and have built momentum over our previous performances, but at the end of the day, it’s all about how you handle big moments. We will have to wait and see.” | Independent Media Sport
Proteas Under-19 Squad
Kayla Reyneke (captain, Western Province), Jemma Botha (WP), Fay Cowling (Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (WP), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Titans), Simoné Lourens (Titans), Karabo Meso (Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Free State), Diara Ramlakan (Lions), Diedré van Rensburg (North West Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Titans).