The Proteas Women are in action on Friday when they face India in the first T20 International in Chennai.

This is South Africa’s last series before the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and they will use it to prepare for the global showpiece.

T20 cricket is arguably South Africa’s best format at the minute and last year they reached the final of the World Cup in Cape Town.

The Proteas captain, Laura Wolvaardt, said this will be approached like a World Cup game.

“It's sort of our last dress rehearsal before the big occasion,” said the in-form Wolvaart.

“We'll be looking to play as strong as an 11 as we can and to have plans we can take to the World Cup, whether that be bowling options or the batting lineup and just try and nail down different combinations.

“We've had a few T20 series in the last couple of tours where we've sort of tried one or two things and given some youngsters opportunities. But for this one, I think we'll be looking to play our best side and the side most likely to be playing in the World Cup," the skipper noted.

“It's just about, for the batting unit, finding that extra 10 or 20 runs. Throughout that Australia series, we were pushing 150s and 160s, but with the game nowadays and coming on a flat wicket, teams are scoring 180, 200, especially in these conditions. In the Women’s Premier League, there were also a lot of high scores.

“With the ball, it’s just being a bit more clinical and a bit more consistent throughout. It's the direction the game is moving in. We need to keep being brave and playing positive cricket.”

Friday’s match in Chennai is scheduled to start at 15:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport