Mashimbyi wants Proteas Women to be brave at the World Cup after Pakistan 'wake-up call'

Proteas Women’s head coach Mandla Mashimbyi believes the six-wicket defeat to Pakistan in the final ODI in Lahore was the “wake-up call” his team needed ahead of the upcoming ICC World Cup.

The Proteas had already secured the series win prior to the dead-rubber, but being rolled for just 115 in spin-friendly conditions would have cast fresh doubts for Mashimbyi, who is heading into his first major ICC tournament as head coach. 

The former Titans Men’s mentor, though, viewed the setback as a blessing in disguise for his squad.

"I think, from a beneficial point of view, I thought it was what we needed. We obviously started well in the series, winning the two games, and I think we just got a wake-up call in the last game," said Mashimbyi.

"It's just to understand that we cannot take anything for granted, maybe we did a little bit there and we were wiped out in 25 overs, and it's not something that, as a coach, I must be proud of.

"I just feel we can take more pride in our performances, more than what we've seen today."

The series against Pakistan was an invaluable opportunity for the Proteas to acclimatise to sub-continental conditions, with Mashimbyi underlining the necessity of adapting to different playing environments. 

The World Cup is set to be played in India and Sri Lanka and the batters’ ability to counter spin-friendly pitches will be crucial. 

"It is something we've put emphasis on in the last few months. Obviously today would suggest that we still struggle against spin, but in the first two games, you wouldn't say the same," he added.

"I just feel like we didn't switch on when we needed to, but it's something we've worked on and we just have to make sure they are brave enough to take on whatever is in front of them or presented to them, and whatever conditions we find.

"Because we believe we've prepared for everything that might come our way."

The Proteas have two warm-up matches against Bangladesh (Thursday) and Pakistan (Sunday) to finetune their gameplans before facing former world champions England in their tournament opener Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on October 3.