Proteas Women fully aware ‘how dangerous Athapaththu can be’ in Sri Lanka clash

The clear and present danger facing the Proteas’ Women’s team in Friday’s Tri-Series ODI clash (6.30am start) against Sri Lanka is home team captain Chamari Athapaththu.

The powerful left-handed opener has been a thorn in the Proteas’ side since first coming up against the girls in green way back in 2013. 

The intervening years have done nothing to diminish Athapaththu’s powers.

In fact, the 35-year-old has only become stronger and more skilful, as she notably illustrated last year when she clubbed 258 runs to help Sri Lanka share a first-ever ODI series with the Proteas.

 Athapaththu’s magnificent 195 not out in Potchefstroom not only bettered her Proteas counterpart Laura Wolvaardt’s undefeated 184, but also helped Sri Lanka chase down a record 301 in one of the most memorable Women’s ODIs ever. 

Athapaththu has been quiet of late, striking just one half-century in her last six innings, which should be seen as forewarning to the Proteas as she’s due a big score. 

And coming up against one pf her favourite opponents – Athapaththu averages 66.28 against the Proteas over the course of her career – the Proteas bowling unit need to be on the mark from the outset at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday. 

Proteas bowling coach Dillon du Preez is acutely aware of the threat Athapaththu poses, but feels his charges have prepared well for the challenge.

“I think we all know how dangerous Athapaththu can be,” Du Preez told Independent Media on Thursday. “We saw that last year in the series against us at home.

“I think at this stage, I’m not too concerned. Our preparation went really well, and I’m just looking forward to the match.”

The Proteas are, of course, without veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp in Sri Lanka as she continues her fitness and recovery programme back home.

This left Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas to share the new ball, with the seam-bowling back-up provided by all-rounders Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen. 

With conditions in Sri Lanka not conducive to seam bowling, the Proteas relied heavily on left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, along with part-timers Suné Luus and Chloe Tryon, in the first match against India earlier this week. 

While the bowling unit chipped away, there was a glaring lack of strike-power, which allowed India to set up base that saw them score 82 runs in the last 10 overs – ultimately proving crucial to the outcome as the Proteas went down by just 15 runs. 

“Looking back at the first game against India, I think we had a pretty decent day in the field with the ball. The last 10 overs were probably not our best, but I think we went for 82 in the last 10,” Du Preez said.

“I don’t think we bowled badly. Sometimes it’s a little bit difficult.

“I think India had seven wickets in hand, so I actually think we did well. Maybe in hindsight, if we can cut down on, say, one or two boundaries, I’d be happy.”

The Proteas haven’t named their starting XI yet, but after handing teenage wicket-keeper Karabo Meso a debut against India midweek, they could turn to another debutant in 19-year-old leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu to add some strike-power to the attack against Sri Lanka.

The Proteas are, of course, without veteran allrounder Marizanne Kapp in Sri Lanka as she continues her fitness and recovery programme back home. This left Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas to share the new ball with the seam bowling back-up provided by allrounders Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen. 

With conditions in Sri Lanka not conducive to seam bowling, the Proteas relied heavily on left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba along with part-timers Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon in the first match against India. 

While the bowling unit chipped away, there was a glaring lack of strike-power which allowed India to set up base that saw them score 82 runs in the last 10 overs - ultimately proving crucial to the outcome as the Proteas went down by just 15 runs. 

“Looking back at the first game against India, I think we had a pretty decent day in the field with the ball. The last 10 overs were probably not our best, but I think we went for 82 in the last 10,” Du Preez said.

“I don't think we bowled badly. Sometimes it's a little bit difficult. I think India had seven wickets in hand, so I actually think we did well. Maybe hindsight, if we can cut down on, say, one or two boundaries, I'd be happy.”

The Proteas haven’t named their starting XI yet, but after handing teenage wicket-keeper Karabo Meso a debut against India midweek, they could turn to another debutant in 19-year-old leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu to add some strike power to the attack against Sri Lanka.

Full squads for the R.Premadasa Stadium

Proteas: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smitand, Chloe Tryon.

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani, Hasini Perera, Piumi Wathsala, Manudi Nanayakkara, Dewmi Vihanga, Inoka Ranaweera, Inoshi Fernando, Hansima Karunaratne, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulsuriya.