Proteas Women Eye Centurion Clincher After Strong ODI Win in Bloem

The Proteas Women have stepped into 2026 with intent, confidence and a clear message: this is the year they want to dominate bilateral series, not just shine at global tournaments. Their first ODI victory over Pakistan in Bloemfontein has set the tone, and now all eyes shift to Centurion, where they have a chance to wrap up the series with one match to spare.

A Calm, Clinical Suné Luus Leads The Way

Suné Luus has been part of many big Proteas moments, but her composed knock of 97 not out at the Mangaung Oval felt like a reminder of her value as both a senior player and a steadying force in the middle order. She was just three runs short of another ODI century when South Africa ran out of deliveries in the rain-affected 41-over match, but her focus never shifted from the task at hand.

Her approach also reflected a bigger vision that has been brewing within the national setup: winning series consistently, especially at home. South Africa’s rise on the global stage has been undeniable, yet their record in bilateral series has often lagged behind. Luus made it clear that the team wants to change that story.

“It’s great to start our ODI campaign like this in a year as important as this one,” she said. “We’ve done well at World Cups, but not always in series. We want to put authority on that.”

It’s a mindset shift that supporters have been waiting for, especially with packed home crowds expected in Centurion and Durban.

Jafta’s Special 50th Match And First Half Century

While Luus anchored the innings, Sinalo Jafta stole the moment with an emotional first ODI fifty on her milestone 50th appearance. Usually known for her sharp hands behind the stumps, Jafta walked out with licence to play freely, and she delivered beautifully with a confident 57.

Luus admitted she could have chased the century but prioritised giving Jafta the strike as she found rhythm.

“When a player is hitting it that nicely, you give them the credit and let them entertain everyone,” Luus said.

That partnership not only lifted South Africa to 260 for 6 but also showed the depth forming in the batting unit. For a team historically reliant on a handful of standout performers, the emergence of more consistent contributors is a promising sign ahead of a busy season.

Centurion Holds A Chance To Make A Statement

The Proteas will carry momentum into Wednesday’s clash at SuperSport Park, a venue where they have historically performed well and often feed off the crowd’s energy. With Durban still to come, locking in the series early would give the team breathing room as they build combinations for the rest of the year.

For fans, it also adds excitement to a summer where women’s cricket continues to gain traction across South Africa. After the Proteas’ journey to the T20 World Cup final in 2023, public expectations have shifted. This team is no longer treated as underdogs. They’re seen as contenders, and this series provides another opportunity to show consistency.

A Bigger Year Awaits

The Pakistan tour is only the beginning of a loaded 2026 calendar, and securing a home-series win early could be exactly the launch pad the Proteas Women need. With Luus finding form, Jafta stepping up and new combinations settling in, the team is shaping up into a unit hungry for more than just moments of brilliance.

A win in Centurion won’t just be another tick in the results column. It will be a statement that South Africa’s women are done playing catch-up. They want to lead from the front.

{Source:SABC Sport}

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