We probably didn't bowl our best, says Chloe Tryon after determined batting

LOSING three consecutive matches is never a good look for any team; however, perhaps in this case, the Proteas women's team could accept it as a learning curve.

Having gone on tour without experienced players such as Marizanne Kapp and Anneke Bosch was a big blow and the South African batting unit got exposed. However, the team got to understand the characters of the fringe players, such as the 20-year-old batter Miane Smit, who was calm at the crease on debut for her 39 runs batting at No 3.

Losing Laura Wolvaardt due to an illness on Wednesday did not do the side a favour as that meant the likes of Annerie Dercksen, Nondumiso Shangase, and Sinalo Jafta would come in to bat higher up the order than they would have had the experienced batter been available.

After Dercksen's 81 on Wednesday, coach Mandla Mashimbyi and his management staff could look back on this tour fondly as they got to understand just how good an all-rounder Dercksen is.

Perhaps the only disappointing factor of the tour has been the bowling and fielding performances as the side struggled in their third match on Friday, giving away 337 runs, which is too many runs conceded even on the batter-friendly wicket at the R. Premadasa International Stadium.

"I think it was a really good wicket to bat on and I thought that we could use the conditions really well in a fresh wicket for our bowlers," said Chloe Tryon, who stood in for Wolvaardt as captain on Wednesday.

"I just felt that we probably didn't bowl our best today. We probably gave them 40 runs more than they should have."

Despite the mammoth 338 runs target that the Indians set, the South Africans showed a lot of character to post 314 runs in their fifty overs, despite falling short by 23 runs to not only lose the match but also fail to make the final of the Tri-Nations series.

"I think we knew as a batting group that we needed partnerships, we needed to bat deep and bat to the end. I think for me, when I did go out there, it was just about watching every single ball, playing it and staying there as long as I can to the end. You never know what can happen," Tryon told the media on Wednesday. 

"Unfortunately, we fell short, but it shows a lot of character in the group of how each batter went out there today and showed intent with the bat. A lot of girls got the opportunities, like Miane.

"She had a beautiful day with the bat (Wednesday). It's good to see these girls going out there and just showcasing their skills."

With the side set to face Sri Lanka women on Friday, they will have one more match to test themselves under the scorching sun and flat surfaces before they return home to introspect before going to the West Indies.

"We're in the stepping blocks for the World Cup now, so it's just about making sure we keep to the basics. Hopefully, we can do that on Friday against Sri Lanka and finish up on a high note," said Tryon. "And go back home and reflect a little bit and get ready for an important West Indies series."