Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Monday that the Momentum Proteas women will play an additional three Twenty20 Internationals against Ireland women from 9-10 September 2014. This series will be at the back of South Africa’s three-match T20 international series against England
from 1-7 September 2014.
Team coach, Hilton Moreeng, is looking forward to the two series, calling them the perfect way for his side to get their season started.
“England and Ireland are approaching the end of their respective seasons, while we are just coming out of our pre-season preparation,” he said. “These series are a really good way for us to measure ourselves against one of the world’s best sides and another side that is becoming a serious contender in world cricket as each season goes by.”
While South Africa have beaten Ireland in all of their matches in recent times, first during a triangular series including Pakistan in Qatar and again at the 2014 ICC Women’s World T20 in Bangladesh, Moreeng believes it would be a mistake to underestimate them.
“Ireland are definitely one of the better up and coming sides. We have not forgotten what it is like to be there as we are still a developing side ourselves, so it would be a grave error to under-rate them, especially in a T20 match where, on a good day, it’s anyone’s game,” he continued.
He is looking forward to the series against England and righting the wrongs of the recent past when England beat South Africa by a comprehensive nine wickets in the semi-finals of the World T20.
“We were definitely overwhelmed by the occasion in that last match against England and did not play our best cricket,” Moreeng added. “Now will be the time for us to bounce back and to put our best foot forward. We want to see an improved performance and competitive cricket when we get there. Adapting to the conditions as soon as possible will be key.”
South Africa will play two warm-up matches against the England Women’s Academy on the 29th and 30th of August.
