South African spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba asserted that her team is aware of how dangerous Chamari Athapaththu can be in their clash against Sri Lanka on Friday, October 17, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The left-handed batter averages a decent 35.29 in ODIs, but her record against South Africa is phenomenal, having amassed 933 runs in 21 matches at an average of 49.10, including two centuries and four fifties. Last year, she slammed an unbeaten 195, helping Sri Lanka set a then-record for
the highest successful run chase in Women’s ODIs.
While Mlaba said that the Proteas are not underestimating any team in the marquee event, they are looking to focus on playing their own game.
"I feel like every team is tough to play against. We faced Sri Lanka in a tri-series and also at home, and they beat us in a few games. They definitely have a strong team—the spinners are very good, and Athapaththu herself is outstanding. As a team, we don’t underestimate anyone; we focus on our own game and try our best to win,” Mlaba said in the pre-match press conference.
Sticking to my good lines and length: Mlaba
Mlaba has been in magnificent form in the eight-team tournament. The left-arm spinner is among the leading wicket-takers, having accounted for eight scalps in four games at an average of 17.13 and an economy rate of 4.28. She said that instead of making changes, she sticks to her game plan and that has brought him success more often than not.
“No, no changes, just doing the same thing. One thing that I normally do best and just sticking to my good lines and length and yeah, the rest will take care of itself,” Mlaba added.
Laura Wolvaardt-led South Africa find themselves at No. 3 in the standings with three wins from four games. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are languishing at No. 7 bottom with two wins and two no results in the ongoing tournament.
