New Delhi, Sep 27 (NationPress) South Africa enters the Women’s ODI World Cup with a blend of experience and balance, following a year characterized by mixed outcomes and the introduction of a new head coach, Mandla Mashimbyi. With a core of players who have played pivotal roles in the last two Women’s T20 World Cup finals, there is a sense of quiet optimism within the team to perform at their best during this significant event.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Dinesha Devnarain, a former cricketer for South Africa and the current head coach for the U19 women’s team, offers her thoughts on the team's chances in the World Cup, the developing partnership between Wolvaardt and Brits, adapting to lesser-known venues, the makeup of the spin bowling department, and more. Here are some key excerpts:

Q. Do you think South Africa has the depth to be seen as genuine title contenders?

A. I genuinely believe that South Africa has a strong shot at this World Cup. We've seen success in T20 formats, and we aim to carry that momentum into the longer format. The squad is well-balanced, with sufficient depth.

The batting order looks promising, though we might lack a spinner. Overall, there’s a good mix of experience and balance in the squad that can help us embark on a journey toward winning the World Cup.

Q. Considering South Africa’s history in ICC tournaments, would a semi-final finish be a realistic expectation?

A. I think the first goal should be securing a semi-final spot. If we manage that, we can aim for the finals. Regardless of whom we face in the semi-finals, we need to play our best cricket and strive to reach the final. The team is determined to win the World Cup.

Though we may not be favorites and are viewed as dark horses in this competition, we’ve previously shown that we can win crucial matches in the semi-finals and make it to the final. It's about overcoming that hurdle and maintaining consistency under pressure.

This tournament is lengthy, so we need to be strategic about player rotation and ensure role clarity, which will be crucial to reaching the final and showcasing our best cricket.

Q. How concerned are you about the spin bowling department, given the limited options beyond Nonkululeko Mlaba?

A. Mlaba will be the lead spinner. Her role will be crucial, especially as the tournament progresses and pitches slow down. However, relying solely on one spinner in an ODI World Cup is a lot of pressure.

I'm hopeful that players like Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon, and Sune Luus can contribute significantly, as one spinner's responsibility can be overwhelming. South Africa traditionally leans on pace bowling, so we must exploit early conditions effectively to allow spinners to contribute later.

Q. Is there also a concern regarding the fast-bowling department?

A. Marizanne Kapp is central to our strategy. While her wicket-taking ability might not be at its peak, she’s a seasoned performer who excels in high-pressure situations.

She’s well-supported by Ayabonga Khaka, Annerie Dercksen, and Nadine de Klerk. I see Nadine as a potential surprise package in our pace attack, and I hope they can create opportunities for the team.

With the right plans, we aim to field a formidable bowling unit on the day of the match.

Q. How crucial are strong starts from the opening pair of Wolvaardt and Brits for setting the tone, particularly when chasing totals over 250?

A. Laura and Tazmin are vital for us, consistently scoring big. If they secure a solid start, we can aim for totals around 300. Our middle order, however, raises some concerns about managing that phase effectively.

We've had great success with our top order. Hence, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, and Sune Luus need to steer the middle order to maintain momentum. Relying only on the opening pair puts undue pressure on them.

We need to strategize effectively to navigate different conditions throughout the tournament. Given the travel involved, adaptability to various pitches will be crucial.

Q. How significant is the lack of international women’s matches at some venues?

A. Adapting quickly is essential. It begins with deciding whether to bat or bowl first and determining what constitutes a defendable score. Continuous communication between the captain, players, and coaching staff is vital to adjust strategies in real-time.

Understanding player capabilities and responding to conditions will be key. We can’t rely on a single game’s analysis; it requires ongoing assessments and adjustments.

Q. Given the importance of spin, is South Africa’s batting unit prepared to tackle quality spin attacks, especially after their collapse in the final ODI against Pakistan?

A. In that third ODI against Pakistan, we struggled against spin. There was a misconception that conditions would mirror the first two ODIs, and we faced difficulties on a turning pitch.

It's crucial for our players to consider their options and adapt accordingly. With the World Cup's duration, conditions will change, and we must be intelligent in our approach to spin.

Our girls have confidence in various areas, and it’s about executing that preparation effectively. We emphasize the importance of footwork and adapting to spin, which requires courage and strategy.

Q. Does the current squad possess the balance and experience to compete with teams like Australia and India, or is there still a gap?

A. Over the past year, we’ve maintained a 50 percent win rate in ODIs, indicating that we haven't fully established ourselves yet. However, our squad has significant experience, with only one under-19 player, Karabo Meso, in the lineup.

Veteran players like Kapp, Wolvaardt, Luus, Tryon, de Klerk, and Khaka have been around for a while. While we have experience, uniting as a cohesive unit is essential. We must believe we can defeat anyone on a given day.

Our first game against England will be crucial, as we need to trust our skills and display camaraderie in tough situations. Despite historical challenges, anything is possible. The success in reaching two T20 World Cup finals has instilled a strong belief in the squad, which we hope to see reflected in this World Cup.

Q. Who do you believe will be the X-factor players for South Africa in this World Cup?

A. I would highlight Mlaba for her vital role in bowling. If she performs as she has in previous ICC events, it will significantly boost our team. For batting, I see Dercksen as a player capable of turning games in our favor. From an all-round perspective, besides Kapp, de Klerk is someone to watch closely.