Proteas Women hoping to level series after opening defeat in India

South Africa suffered a 143-run loss to India in their opening ODI in Bengaluru on Sunday, after managing a paltry total of just 122 all-out in 37.4 overs.

The Proteas didn’t get off to a good start after losing captain Laura Wolvaardt for four runs inside the first over, with Luus conceding their failure was to build solid partnerships.

"I think we obviously just didn't execute [the plans], and I think we didn't build enough partnerships. We always speak about someone in the top-four batting through and getting that big score, and unfortunately we couldn't do that," said Luus after the match.

"Credit to the Indian bowlers for sticking to their line and lengths – I thought they held their lengths very well and made us do some things differently, but we just didn't execute today."

The second of their three-match series is scheduled for the same venue on Wednesday, and Luus says the Proteas will focus more on their strengths in the next game.

"Looking forward, yes the [ICC Women's Championship] points are very important, but we take every match very seriously and we need to [win]," she added.

"Obviously there's a series on the line, so we're also playing for that. So coming into the next game, to level the series will be first priority, and if we just play good cricket and stick to our strengths, the points will follow as well."

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