Proteas primed for T20 World Cup after India series triumph

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt has declared her side's 4-1 series victory over India was the perfect preparation for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

The Proteas put their name forward as one of the teams to beat at the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup with an impressive showing on home soil against India, with Wolvaardt leading the way yet again with a stylish half-century as South Africa registered a 23-run win over India in the series finale in Benoni on Monday.

The series at home was South Africa's final competitive hitout before the T20 World Cup commences in England and Wales on June 12 and Wolvaardt believes her side is well placed to claim a first title.

"We've had perfect prep," Wolvaardt said.

"India are our group (at the T20 World Cup) as well so this gives us a bit of momentum heading into the tournament and tells us there's a lot we're doing right.

"There's still a few areas we can be a bit better in so I'm excited to work on that for the next month before the next tournament starts."

One of those areas that Wolvaardt will be looking for improvement is in the field, after the side grassed a couple of chances during the series finale that included dropping India keeper Richa Ghosh on just four when a successful visitors' run chase was still a possibility.

"Probably just taking our catches," Wolvaardt said when asked about areas for the side to improve.

"Every game there's been a catch or two going down, which is a little bit frustrating because we've created a lot of chances but haven't necessarily taken them."

While taking some positives from the five-match series in South Africa, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur knows her side must improve in all aspects of the game if they are to progress from their group - that includes the Proteas and six-time champions Australia - at the T20 World Cup.

“Need to sit together as a group and think how to move forward. Disappointing for us, lots of positives and learnings for us,” Harmanpreet said post-match.

“We did well in patches today. In batting, the Powerplay was something that cost us. Didn’t get too many runs and lost two wickets. It’s disappointing, need to keep working hard.”

Series Schedule

First T20I, April 17 - Kingsmead, Durban (South Africa won by six wickets)
Second T20I, April 19 - Kingsmead, Durban (South Africa won by eight wickets)
Third T20I, April 22 - Wanderers, Johannesburg (South Africa won by nine wickets)
Fourth T20I, April 25 - Wanderers, Johannesburg (India won by 14 runs)
Fifth T20I, April 27 - Willowmoore Park, Benoni (South Africa won by 23 runs)

Photo Credit : Cricket South Africa