It turned out to be something of a one-sided clash, but it was credit it to South Africa that they were able to deliver such a convincing performance against Scotland in their Women’s T20 World Cup clash in Dubai on Wednesday.
Though none of the Proteas batters managed a half century, there were good contributions from openers Laura Wolvaardt (40), Tazmin Brits (43) and allrounder Marizanne Kapp (43).
The Proteas posted an imposing 166/5, and the bowlers ensured Scotland were never in with a chance in their chase as they were bowled out for 86 as South Africa won by 80 runs.
Nonkululeko Mlaba was the pick of the bowlers with 3/12, but she was ably assisted by Chloe Tryon (2/22) and Nadine de Klerk (2/15).
It was also good to get back on the winning trail, after the Proteas lost to England in their previous match.
‘Openers were brilliant’
“It's always tricky games, games like today, but we knew we had to be at our best,” said Kapp.
“I think that has been the message throughout this tournament is that [in that] powerplay to try and be a bit more attacking. And today, I think our openers started us off brilliantly.”
The bowling of Mlaba in particular was pleasing for the 34-year-old Kapp.
“Yes, definitely, especially looking to the lead up to this World Cup. She's not been at her best and she knows that, and then she gets to the World Cup and somehow finds her best. So it's good signs for us.
“Hopefully she can continue like that for the next couple of games. But yeah, very proud of her to turn things around so quickly.”
Kapp did not bowl in the warm-up games before the World Cup, and revealed she had been playing with a niggle.
“Yeah, I had a bit of a niggle leading up to India [in the warm-ups], which we probably didn't say out loud. So that was the main reason for me not bowling there. And we didn't want me to just miss cricket because I could still play as a batter.
“So we made the decision to not let me be off completely so that I can continue with the momentum that I've been having with the bat. So it was more trying to not push it when it's not necessary. And look, it's always going to be tough as an all-rounder, especially in these conditions.
“I almost feel like the skill I do first, I'm probably going to be the best at that skill on the day, because it's so tough when you have to bat and then come and bowl or vice versa.”
The Proteas women’s side became the first SA senior team to reach a Cricket World Cup final on home soil last year, and with a win in their last group game against Bangladesh on Saturday they will book their place in the last four once more.
Kapp makes it no secret she would be wanting to take it all the way in this tournament.
“Nothing beats playing for your country, and especially at World Cups. I feel like you kind of up your game because you know it's the biggest stage. You want to do well, you want to perform.”