- Joined
- Nov 25, 2023
- Runs
- 22,239
COLOMBO: Proteas Women seamer Masabata Klaas emphasised that the team is not looking too far ahead despite securing their place in the semi-finals, as they prepare for their penultimate ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 league match against Pakistan in Colombo on Tuesday.
The encounter is set to take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium from 15h00 local time (11h30 SAST) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Cricket (Ch. 212).
Following four consecutive victories after their opening defeat to England, South Africa, who currently sit third on the log, sealed their semi-final berth with two matches remaining after the recent rain-affected fixtures in Colombo confirmed that the team cannot finish lower than fourth place.
In conversation with the media at the pre-match press conference on Monday, Klaas noted that although the team was delighted to have qualified for the semi-finals, they remain grounded and focused on their ultimate goal.
“It's something that every team wanted, but every game is important. With the semi-finals, it's something that we also wanted, but it doesn't stop there. Our focus now is tomorrow's game.
“We came here with one goal of winning the trophy. So when it comes to rain and stuff, we have no control over that. It worked in our favour because we managed to play 20 overs in our last game,” the experienced bowler said.
With full attention now on Pakistan, a side South Africa has beaten in 23 of their previous 31 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), which includes the most recent ODI series that ended 2-1 in favour of the Proteas in Lahore last month, Klaas was quick to acknowledge the threat posed by their subcontinent opponents.
“Pakistan is a strong team. We cannot just go there and think that we're just going to walk in the park. One thing that's going to work for us is to stick to the basics and do what we've been doing from day one of the World Cup. We're not going to take them for granted. Every game is important to us.
“We are ready, and we go there with a positive mindset of winning tomorrow's game,” the right-arm bowler continued.
On a personal note, Klaas enjoyed a strong performance in South Africa’s last match against Sri Lanka at the same venue, claiming two key wickets, including that of captain Chamari Athapaththu, to help secure victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
Reflecting on her contribution to the Proteas bowling attack, Klaas highlighted her strengths and the role she plays within the team.
“I'm that kind of bowler whereby I'm attacking. When I bowl, I focus on one thing, and that one thing is to bowl dot balls. Because if you bowl dot balls, the pressure will come. I'll say I'm special in my own way, because I can bounce and I can nip the ball in and out. So that's what makes me special,” she added.
Squads:
Pakistan Women Squad: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana(c), Sidra Nawaz(w), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Syeda Aroob Shah, Sadaf Shamas, Eyman Fatima, Shawaal Zulfiqar
South Africa Women Squad: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Karabo Meso(w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka
=======
All posters, please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staff, etc.
2. No making fun of players', officials', or coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media, or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion, as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
The encounter is set to take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium from 15h00 local time (11h30 SAST) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Cricket (Ch. 212).
Following four consecutive victories after their opening defeat to England, South Africa, who currently sit third on the log, sealed their semi-final berth with two matches remaining after the recent rain-affected fixtures in Colombo confirmed that the team cannot finish lower than fourth place.
In conversation with the media at the pre-match press conference on Monday, Klaas noted that although the team was delighted to have qualified for the semi-finals, they remain grounded and focused on their ultimate goal.
“It's something that every team wanted, but every game is important. With the semi-finals, it's something that we also wanted, but it doesn't stop there. Our focus now is tomorrow's game.
“We came here with one goal of winning the trophy. So when it comes to rain and stuff, we have no control over that. It worked in our favour because we managed to play 20 overs in our last game,” the experienced bowler said.
With full attention now on Pakistan, a side South Africa has beaten in 23 of their previous 31 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), which includes the most recent ODI series that ended 2-1 in favour of the Proteas in Lahore last month, Klaas was quick to acknowledge the threat posed by their subcontinent opponents.
“Pakistan is a strong team. We cannot just go there and think that we're just going to walk in the park. One thing that's going to work for us is to stick to the basics and do what we've been doing from day one of the World Cup. We're not going to take them for granted. Every game is important to us.
“We are ready, and we go there with a positive mindset of winning tomorrow's game,” the right-arm bowler continued.
On a personal note, Klaas enjoyed a strong performance in South Africa’s last match against Sri Lanka at the same venue, claiming two key wickets, including that of captain Chamari Athapaththu, to help secure victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
Reflecting on her contribution to the Proteas bowling attack, Klaas highlighted her strengths and the role she plays within the team.
“I'm that kind of bowler whereby I'm attacking. When I bowl, I focus on one thing, and that one thing is to bowl dot balls. Because if you bowl dot balls, the pressure will come. I'll say I'm special in my own way, because I can bounce and I can nip the ball in and out. So that's what makes me special,” she added.
Squads:
Pakistan Women Squad: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana(c), Sidra Nawaz(w), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Syeda Aroob Shah, Sadaf Shamas, Eyman Fatima, Shawaal Zulfiqar
South Africa Women Squad: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Karabo Meso(w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka
=======
All posters, please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staff, etc.
2. No making fun of players', officials', or coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media, or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion, as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
Last edited by a moderator:
