SA women working twice to turn tables for Pak series, says coach Moreeng

South Africa women's team coach Hilton Moreeng on Wednesday said the team is working on to turn around the series against Pakistan. The host faced a shocking eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Pakistan in its opening ICC Women's Championship (IWC) One-Day International match on May 6. The teams are clashing to grab vital IWC points to earn a direct qualification for the ICC Women's World Cup 2021 to be held in New Zealand.

"It was a disappointing start especially after the preparation we had. Everything was planned to the 'T', but it turned out to be a day that we had to put behind us very quickly as a team. The execution of certain skills wasn't good. Pakistan played better than us on the day and used the conditions well," Moreeng said on the eve of the second encounter. "It's a game we're not proud of especially with it being a home series but we sat down as a team and had our debriefing. We know what needs to happen over the next two games, starting with tomorrow's one. We're still confident that we can turn it around."

"You're going to get these kinds of games. The most important thing about sport is how you bounce back. We know that there are still two more games to play for the series and we need to make sure that we're in the right mental space, we can't drag disappointments into the second game and when you look again the series is gone." "The girls are mature enough to understand that and they know what is required of them. The preparation again has been very good and the players are back in a good space. They just need to go out there and execute their plans and keep calm heads in the middle," Moreeng added.

Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir with her 4/11 led the attack that saw South Africa bundled out for 63 runs in 22.5 overs. The hosts conceded their first-ever defeat at home to the visitors, while giving them their biggest win by balls remaining (35.2 overs). It also ended their winning streak on home soil, following four back-to-back series clean sweeps against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The second ODI will give the home team the opportunity to level the series and look towards winning it outright thereafter. With four IWC points still on offer, Moreeng believes that his team is ready to take on their next challenge on a new slate.

"The next two games for us are going to be very crucial. It's not how you want to start any series but it's part of the game, these things happen, it's going to be about what we make out of it going forward. Tomorrow we'll definitely see a better team," he added. South Africa and Pakistan will meet for the second IWC ODI on May 9 at the Senwes Park.

(With inputs from agencies.)