Sekhukhune galvanises Protea women for T20I series decider against Sri Lanka

Proteas Women seamer Tumi Sekhukhune underscores the team's motivation to build momentum and secure a convincing series victory against the challenges posed by subcontinental teams in spin-friendly conditions ahead of the T20 International (T20I) finale versus Sri Lanka in East London.

Following a win apiece for South Africa and Sri Lanka in the opening two games, the third and final T20I gets under way on Wednesday, 3 April at the Buffalo Park Stadium from 6pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

Tickets are available at the stadium or online via Ticketpro, with the contest broadcast live on SuperSport Grandstand (Channel 201).

Ahead of the series decider, Sekhukhune addressed the media during the pre-match press conference, highlighting the team’s ambitions in T20I cricket, particularly with the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup edging closer and the conditions expected in the host country Bangladesh.

“We need to get that momentum going. We need to (be able to) clean the series and get 3-0. With subcontinental teams now, we know that they're going to come with spin, it's time that we get in conditions (such as) in Durban, in Potch and here in East London to be able to play them very well. If we can get that right we'll get that consistency in the cleaning series,” she added.

In the second T20I in Potchefstroom, the Proteas Women began their innings with the bat on the front foot as Anneke Bosch’s 32-ball 50 (4 fours, 2 sixes) helped the home side to 84/2 after 10 overs before Sri Lanka fought back to restrict South Africa to 137/8 to set up the memorable win.

While praising the team's strong starts in the powerplay, the 25-year-old stressed the need for the middle-order batters to consolidate and build on the foundation laid by the top order.

WORLD CUP DREAM

“We've always wanted to get the score to 180+. That's what we've been working on, getting a few partnerships up front and we've learned that in the powerplay. The women's game is growing now towards the right direction where anyone, even the subcontinental teams, can score 150+. So it's very crucial for us to get the batting in order and to get 180 plus consistently and we could also take that momentum to the World Cup,” Sekhukhune said.

Despite her sporadic appearances in the national squad, the DP World Lions bowler revealed her aspirations of representing South Africa in the upcoming World Cup.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by injuries and limited game time, she expressed her eagerness to exhibit her abilities and earn a spot in the prestigious tournament after missing out on the previous edition on home soil last year.

“I've been in and out of the squad. From the tour to England (in 2022), I've had some hiccups here and there with my injuries and not getting game time. It was very difficult for me to come into the setup where we have proper bowlers and experienced bowlers.

“It's my goal and dream to work towards getting into the World Cup squad and this is an opportunity for me now to just showcase what I've been doing the whole time,” Sekhukhune noted.

After claiming three wickets in the opening two T20Is, returning figures of 2-25 and 1-27 respectively, the medium pacer highlighted her commitment to continuous learning and evolution while reflecting on her approach with ball in hand in the ongoing tour against Sri Lanka.

“In cricket, you're always learning and you're always growing as well. I've been focusing on falling in love with the game again. Just hitting my lines and lengths and also just going in there, playing the brand of cricket that I've always played before and playing freely,” she added.