South African spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba
- All-rounder and Proteas vice-captain Chloe Tryon praised spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba for her skill with the new ball and her success thus far.
- Mlaba is the world number two bowler in the ICC T20 rankings and she continued to prove why at the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup.
- Tryon says it’s great to see his Durban teammate and teammate continue to improve as Mlaba becomes SA’s new rising star.
Proteas vice-captain Chloe Tryon had nothing but praise for spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba for her consistent performance at the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The Proteas got their campaign back on track with a comprehensive 65-run victory over a meager New Zealand side at Boland Park on Monday.
Defending 133, Mlaba was given the new ball and struck on the second ball of New Zealand’s innings when SA-born White Ferns opener Bernadine Bezuidenhout was stumped by a duck.
Mlaba then took out starter Suzie Bates for a duck when she was tagged out. Spinner Proteas captured the third and final wicket from him when he caught Lea Tahuhu lbw for one.
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Mlaba finished with economic figures of three for 10 from his four overs as New Zealand were left out for just 67.
It saw New Zealand drop to their lowest total in a T20 Women’s World Cup and their second lowest T20I total overall.
Tryon, who scored 40 and took 2 for 12, said Mlaba did a brilliant job of setting the tone for the rest of the match.
“We just talked about attacking the stumps as much as we can, creating point balls, pressing them and the wickets would come,” Tryon told reporters on Monday.
“We didn’t go looking for anything. I just think we bowled really well and it all worked out.”
“I think Mlaba played very well today. She set the tone very well and I feel like every bowler that came out had a plan. It was really good to watch and I’m really happy with the performance we had today.” “
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Earlier this month, Mlaba moved up to second in the ICC T20I Rankings after his excellent performance in the victorious South Africa Tri-Series between India and West Indies.
Tryon has been impressed with the character of the 22-year-old shown so far and is excited about Mlaba’s budding career.
“I think she wants to be number one, she works very hard. She’s from my hometown. [of Durban], so I work a lot with her when we are at home. She bowls a lot,” Tryon said.
“She’s just trying to work on the game as much as she can. I love the fire that burns inside of her. I also like how she sets the tone on the ball.”
“I feel like as a unit we really thrive on it, and the bowlers really thrive on it. So, I’m happy to see he’s doing so well.”
“I can’t wait to see how she does in the next game after this one. But look, I’m so excited to see her. Look, she’s 22, she’s a girl. So, it’s really nice to see her blossom.” infront of me.”
Proteas’ next Group A match will be against defending champions Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Saturday (19:00).
