South Africa posted a total of 124/6 in their 20-over innings, with the four-time World champions eclipsing that with seven wickets and four balls to spare.

READ: Ireland earn consolation win over Proteas in final ODI clash

Following five dropped catches, including twice that of Danni Wyatt – who went on to score 43, the skipper admits it was a frustrating night all around.

''10-20 short with a back. Obviously we didn't take our chances on the field either. Danni catched early, it could have been a different game,'' said Wolvaardt.

Following the morale-boosting 10-wicket win in their opener against West Indies on Friday, the 25-year-old assured the defeat to England will not deter their focus in their remaining group stage fixtures against Scotland and Bangladesh on Wednesday and Saturday, respectively.

''Obviously I'm a bit disappointed, because there are a lot of controllables we did wrong today - it's unlike they completely outplayed us. I feel like if we took our chances, ran better in the middles and rotated better - we could have better chances to win that game. The team still has two important games, I think if we win them well, we have a good chance to make it to the semis. I'm not too sure with the batters but I am sure it puts us in a good position, hoping for a quick turnaround,'' added Wolvaardt.

Having won the toss and elected to bat first, Wolvaardt explained that statistically this was a premeditated decision, rather than one based on assessment of conditions in Sharjah on the night.

''Obviously the stats were leaning towards batting fast, a lot of the games have been won by batting fast in the past. Our plan was to push a 120, 140, we feel like that could have been a winning score, there's no team that scored 120 till tonight. Just batting better and having balance that was the plan but we fell a bit short,'' she expressed.

With Marizanne Kapp also dropped to a rather unfamiliar fourth in the batting order, Wolvaardt defended the veteran all-rounder's workload as part of the decision.

IPL

Proteas star Aiden Markram to captain Sunrisers in 2023 IPL

Australia's Pat Cummins pulls out of 2023 IPL to rest ahead of Ashes and World Cup

Editors Pick