South Africa women’s U19 coach Dinesha Devnarain has urged Benonians to support the team against India in their ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup opener at Willowmoore Park on January 14.
Devnarain pleaded with locals to be the 12th man and decorate the ground with green and gold as cricket-mad Indians are known to fill up stadiums no matter where their country is playing in the world.
“Show us your love and support the team. It’s important that the community fills up Willowmoore Park and shows the girls support,” she said.
The venue is familiar territory for the South Africans. They played most of their build-up matches there and are banking on the support of locals to help get them over the line.
“We must not forget it’s the first time these girls are playing in the world cup. Never stop believing in us.”
Despite a hugely successful preparation for the tournament with series victories against Namibia and Zimbabwe and a good test in the CSA Women’s Super League, the South Africans’ build-up was dampened by a 4-0 mauling by India in their recently concluded T20 series.
The coach urged her charges to put their bodies on the line when they take on the same opposition in the global showpiece.
“We had a good series against Namibia and Zimbabwe last year. We played the brand of cricket we like. We changed nothing against India. They were a better opposition because they have a better development system than we do,” Devnarain said.
The Indian assignment was always going to be difficult as the squad is boosted by the inclusion of Shafali Verma who has already played at the senior level, representing India Women’s senior team in 21 ODIs, 49 T20Is and two women’s tests.
Devnarain explained they would rectify their mistakes going into the game, saying they are having constant discussions to help improve their batting and bowling.
“The main thing is we have lots of information on India. Our batters need to start taking responsibility by building solid partnerships.
“We are working on getting the right combinations regarding who opens the bowling, takes control of the middle overs and finishes off the innings.
“Our field placings also have to be correct and we have to put our bodies on the line,” she said.
She stated despite expectations on the team and the pressure of being the host nation, they have initiated programmes to help them deal with their nerves.
“We have to be mindful of why we are here. We have several techniques to help us to deal with pressure. The girls must have a presence of mind. I keep reminding them why we are here and what we want to achieve.”
The match starts at 13:45 on the Willowmoore Park main field.
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