South African spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba said the Proteas are well aware of the threat posed by Chamari Athapaththu ahead of their Women’s World Cup match against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday.
Athapaththu averages 35.29 in ODIs, but her record against South Africa is exceptional, scoring 933 runs in 21 matches at an average of 49.10, including two hundreds and four fifties. She reached an unbeaten 195 last year and helped Sri Lanka set the then record highest successful run chase in women’s ODIs.
Mlaba added that having already faced Sri Lanka, South Africa will not underestimate their upcoming opponent.
“I feel that every team is difficult to play against. We played Sri Lanka in the tri-series and also at home and they beat us in a few matches. They definitely have a strong team – the spinners are very good and Athapaththu herself is excellent. As a team we don’t underestimate anyone, we focus on our own game and try our best to win,” said Mlaba at the pre-match.
Mlaba has been in excellent form, taking eight wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 4.28, including four against New Zealand in Indore. Spiner said he prefers to stick to his own plans rather than focus on too many variations, allowing the pitch to play its part.
“No, no changes, I do the same thing. One thing I normally do best and stick to my good lines and length and yes, the rest will take care of itself,” Mlaba added.
South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, are currently third in the table with six points and a net rate of -0.618, having won three of their four matches. After a 10-wicket loss to England where they were bowled out for 60, the Proteas bounced back with three consecutive victories.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
October 16, 2025
