Proteas aim to regroup ahead of their must-win encounter against New Zealand

It is hard to believe that South Africa whitewashed New Zealand in the ODIs just last week and was expected to carry on the momentum in the shorter format too. But instead South Africa were comprehensively outplayed in the opening two T20Is as the visitors look a pale shadow of the team that defeated New Zealand in the 50-over format.

With already 0-2 down, South Africa face the hosts on Sunday (February 9) in the third T20 of the five-match series and it's a must-win encounter for the Proteas if they want to keep themselves alive in the series.  For South Africa, there is little time to regroup. Minor injuries to Sune Luus, Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp have robbed them of putting in a full-strength squad.

Although Luus and Van Niekerk returned in the second encounter, the result remained the same. In the second T20I, South Africa were in position for a total around the 150-run mark, but lost their last seven wickets for just 25 runs. The batting has definitely let the visitors down with Laura Wolvaardt and Mignon du Preez being the exceptions. Chloe Tryon's failure with the bat in both the games should also be a worry for the Proteas. Her bowling has also looked mediocre and will hope for a better show and excersice her big-hittings skills.

Proteas batter, Lizelle Lee who is yet to fire in this T20I series said while there have been a few positives it is now up to the players to come back sturdily and show case what they can do in this format. “Hopefully we see some really good scores from our batters and make a comeback into this T20 series and make it a really entertaining one for people to watch and hopefully we get our girls to play the good cricket we are very much capable of,” she stated. “Most of us in the team know that we haven’t performed to our normal standard, but this is a perfect opportunity for us to regain that momentum we had in the ODIs.”

Meanhile, there is good news for the Proteas camp as Kapp will be available on Sunday for selection, and a big boost for the visitors. The 30-year-old quick, known for her swing and ability to pick up early wickets will definitely what South Africa would like to utilize. 

On the other hand, New Zealand would like to seal the series on Sunday itself.  Sophie Devine yet again showed why she is one of the dangerous in the circiut with a blistering 61, leading New Zealand to a thumping five-wicket victory. It seems the shortest format has brought the best of Devine. The form which she displayed in Women's Big Bash League and Super Smash seems to have rubbed off in the first two T20Is. She has already scored 115 runs and looks good to score more in remaining matches.             

Apart from Devine, the return of Lea Tahuhu has also been impressive. The speedstar's two wickets changed the complexion of the last game which triggered the South African batting collapse. The spin duo of Amelia Kerr and Leigh Kasperek have also been amongst wickets, and have not given any freebies to the opposition batters.

Certainly, New Zealand have attacked more in the T20Is compared to ODIs and have restricted South Africa to a below-par scores in both the games. The third encounter has all the ingredients to a be cracker of a contest and it remains to be seen what Basin Reserve in Wellington has to offer to its fans.

Squads

New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Rachel Priest, Lea Tahuhu.

South Africa: Dane Van Niekerk (c), Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, Mignon Du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Tumi Sekhukhune, Trisha Chetty, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine De Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase.