Strong mentality will sustain Proteas Women at World Cup - Nonkululeko Mlaba

The Proteas snatched a 10-wicket win over West Indies in their opening match at Dubai International Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Friday. 

South Africa missed out on the coveted World Cup crown to Australia in last year’s tournament on home soil, and Mlaba believes there shouldn’t be room to drop any points at this year's edition.

"I think for us now, we're in it to win it. I mean, we failed in the semi-finals a couple of times, and we failed in the final [last year], and now it's either we win it or not," said Mlaba.

"So that's the mentality of the team now – we're just in it to win it."

Mlaba was named player of the match, thanks to a career-best 4/29 in four overs, as the Proteas restricted the Windies to 118-6 in their allotted 20 overs.

She says trusting herself more has helped her grow in the bowling department.

"I think now I've gained a lot of experience because I've played quite a lot of games now, and I also watch a lot of cricket so I've learnt from the best," she added.

"I also feel like I've trusted my role in the team, I've trusted my bowling, so now I have that strong mentality when I go onto the field, 'Come, you've got this,' and every time I'm just focussed.

"Before I used to be very – I still get nervous, but now it's in a good way, that I always want a challenge and I'm always hungry for the challenge [that awaits]."

The Proteas Women return to action on Monday, when they take on England Women in their second group stage clash at 16::00 (SA time).

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