Veteran New Zealand batter Suzie Bates is feeling upbeat about the way New Zealand performed against Australia in their Women`s World Cup opener despite the loss. They will now be facing South Africa on Monday, October 6, and will be looking to get their first win on the board.
South Africa were bundled out for just 69 against England in their opening game and their confidence would have taken a hit after the same. However, Bates is a firm believer that the Protea women are more than capable of putting this loss behind them and she is wary of their strengths as a side.
Here`s what Suzie Bates was quoted as saying by ICC:
“We also know South Africa are an extremely good side, and they have been successful at World Cups as well. South Africa are going to be hurting after their first game. But I don`t think we can take too much from that game. Completely different conditions. They batted first, and obviously didn`t perform the way they wanted. We`ve just got to be making sure that we start really strongly with the ball and put them under pressure again. I know how South Africans are, and I`m sure they`re going to bounce back.”
Suzie Bates shed light on how New Zealand could have been blown away by Australia in their opening game, but that didn`t happen. She took heart from New Zealand`s spirited display and Sophie Devine`s sensational hundred. Here`s what she stated:
“I thought the way we fought with the ball, even though Ash Gardner came out and got 100. Then we were two for none, and then the way we stayed in that game with Sophie Devine`s outstanding innings, I think we were just really proud of how we fought, and we weren`t able to get across the line. We`ve just got to put it all out there when it matters. Our bowlers are doing a good job. Our chances are high if we play our best game tomorrow.”
Squads:
New Zealand Squad: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Bree Illing, Bella James, Hannah Rowe, Rosemary Mair, Polly Inglis
South Africa Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Nondumiso Shangase, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune.
(With ANI inputs)