South Africa’s Mignon du Preez didn’t have the best of the ongoing ICC Women World Cup 2022. However, she was able to strike form at the right time before the semifinal as she scored a match-winning knock of 52 runs to help her team beat India by three wickets and end Mithali Raj-led team journey in the competition at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Sunday.
Mignon du Preez was able to take the match deep and got her team over the line. In fact, she also had a rub of green on her side as Smriti Mandhana fluffed her catch in the 45th over of the run-chase. Furthermore, she was dismissed off a no-ball in the final over by Deepti Sharma, and then she hit the winning runs for the Proteas.
Du Preez was delighted to make a winning contribution to the team and find form at the right time for her side. The right-hander was also awarded the Player of the match for her fine performance.
She said after the game, “I have been very fortunate, the girls have supported me throughout, I haven’t had the best start to the tournament with the bat but to be able to do it today for us today was very special. The biggest thing was to take it deep. When I got in, there was still quite a few overs and we knew if we actually gave us some time, it’ll get easier. Myself and Kapp said again we just need to take it as deep as possible because we know what Chloe can do. She hit a couple of boundaries. It (this knock) means a lot, it’s been a tough few weeks when I haven’t contributed like I would have liked. To do it when it matters the most, getting the momentum right into the semifinal, I’ll take it anytime of the week. (Message to fans) We can’t do it without you, thank you very much for all the support.”
On the other hand, Sune Luus, the South African captain, was also delighted with her team’s performance. Luus feels it is an ideal way for them to prepare for their semifinal clash.
She said in the post-match presentation, “We’re extremely happy, also for du Preez, for getting a fifty. She has worked hard for it after struggling early- this is how the semis is going to be (in terms of a contest), the preparation for the same couldn’t have been any better. Coming into a D/N game, the experience should be good for the team. I am very happy for her (on Lara Goodall), the way she supported Laura (Wolvaardt), all this will keep us good coming into the semis. I think the South Africans can be very proud of us, the way we played, the calm and the trust – it’s something we can be thrilled about.”
South Africa will face England Women at the same venue of Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Thursday.
