South Africa claimed a 69-38 win at the Ellis Park Arena for the victory, but they were made to work for it. Nothing separated the world’s fifth and sixth ranked teams after the first quarter with the scores level at 13-13.  South Africa stepped up in the second 15-minute period to take a 29-22 lead at the half-time breaks.

In the third quarter the Proteas continued to stamp their authority on the match by outscoring their opponents 18-6 to take the lead up to 47-28. South Africa finished the game very strong, outscoring the team from the Great Lakes district 22-10 to finish with the 69-38 win and claim the series.

Karla Pretorius. Photo: Reg Caldecott

The Proteas assistant coach Zanele Mdodana said after a slow start they were very happy with how South Africa responded to take the series win.

“Malawi told us at the players’ function that they were going to come all-guns blazing,’ said Mdodane.

“We expected nothing less from the Malawi Queens – they always elevate their game when they come up against the Proteas.

“It was a bit of a slow start from us and they increased the pace in that first quarter, and they had a specific pattern they were playing but we were not quick enough to convey that message to our players in that first quarter so they could quickly adapt.”

Khanyisa Chawane. Photo: Reg Caldecott

“But we’re extremely happy. We were put under tremendous pressure in that first quarter and it was good for us to see we could be in a tight fix but then be able to put our foot on the accelerator and pull away and how those new combinations really slotted in so well. It’s a good sign for us.”

On Thursday South Africa won the first Test 68-31 to set the tone for the series.

The third and final Test will be played on Sunday. This test is scheduled to start at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg