The final match of the tour match by Sri Lanka to South Africa will be played at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.
The match could be a historic one for Sri Lanka if they can win against South Africa’s women. A win for Sri Lanka would mean they draw the series and finish the tour unbeaten in both series. That would be the first time a subcontinent team achieved that feet.
For South Africa, two things are at play at the JB Marks Oval. One history will be made in Potchefstroom as Ayabonga Khaka will play her 100th One Day International match for South Africa. She will be the first Black African woman from South Africa to reach the milestone and the third Black African from South Africa after Makhaya Ntini and Kagiso Rabada.
“To be honest, I’m just a cricketer. I’ll take it that I’m achieving a milestone that other people have achieved. I’m not looking at it as I’m the first one, but I’m grateful to be part of the group that has achieved that. We have had great players before me, and I’m just honoured to be part of them,” said Ayabonga Khaka.
“I always looked up to Makhaya Ntini when I was growing up. I could relate to him because we’re coming from the same parts of the country. And with KG (Rabada), he’s still going, he’s still a youngster, but with the experience that he has, he’s showing (up) each and every day. I’m grateful to be part of that list with those two great guys,” Ayabonga continued.
Among the Proteas women players Ayabonga will be the 9th to achieve a 100 ODI appearances for South Africa and the fourth among the players of colour (Black players) behind Chloe Tryon, Shabnim Ismail and Trisha Chetty.
Ayabonga is definitely not just a pioneer but a role model for a lot of South African girls. Along with Marizanne Kapp and Masabata Klaas, she is a leader not just in the bowling unit but also in the dressing room. Ayabonga always keeps her mind focused on the bigger picture.
“50 over cricket for us is all about the points. The T20I series was about preparing for the T20 World Cup and this one is all about the points. We know how big it is, and we are ready for it,”
The T20 World Cup will be in September, and soon after that will be the World Cup in January. The South African team has entered the phase, where they have to focus on doing well in the upcoming big tournaments.
Hopefully, the crowd in Potchefstroom comes out as it will be a while until the Proteas women play again on the African soil.
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