Jafta Backs South Africa to Rebound After England Collapse: “We Won’t Dwell on It”
South Africa wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta has urged calm and focus within the team ahead of their crucial World Cup clash against New Zealand in Indore on Monday, following a humiliating 69-all-out performance against England in Guwahati.
Looking to move past their disastrous start, Jafta expressed optimism about the team's mindset and welcomed the change in venue, calling it a "fresh perspective."
"We had to leave Guwahati behind us," Jafta said. "When you look and you're coming into Indore, the people have been fantastic. It's like a fresh perspective. We saw the first game they had – it was a high-scoring day. For us as a batting unit, it's just to knuckle down and bat. Don’t think too much about the outcome. Just take it one ball at a time."
"We Were a Bit Rushed"
Reflecting on the loss to England, Jafta admitted that the team’s approach at the crease lacked clarity and composure.
“We were a bit rushed,” she said. “We weren’t really present in that moment. When I went back, I realised I wasn’t really present in the delivery I went out. It wasn’t a good day, but we won’t dwell on it. We’ve got another opportunity.”
South Africa’s batting implosion in Guwahati was their second in a row, following a 115 all out against Pakistan in a recent ODI. However, Jafta dismissed the idea that the team had suddenly lost their ability.
“We always knew coming into a tournament like this, games like this happen,” she said. “It’s a long tournament. We don’t become a bad batting unit overnight.”
She added that team captain Laura Wolvaardt had helped reset the mood in the camp, reinforcing belief in the group’s abilities despite the poor showing.
Facing Familiar Foes in New Zealand
South Africa's next challenge comes against a New Zealand side also under pressure, having suffered a heavy 89-run loss to Australia in their tournament opener. Though the two teams haven't met in an ODI since October 2023, they contested the 2024 T20 World Cup final just a year ago.
Jafta stressed that South Africa would not take their opponents lightly.
“You have the likes of Amelia Kerr, Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine – players who’ve been playing for a really long time,” she said. “But also, you’re not underestimating your Georgia Plimmer, your Maddy Greens, your Izzy Gaze – she came off.”
Discipline with the ball, she said, would be key.
Lessons from the Subcontinent
South Africa arrived at the World Cup having played in similar conditions in recent months. They toured Pakistan for a T20I series win and competed in a tri-series with India and Sri Lanka earlier this year. That experience, Jafta believes, should help them settle.
“We’ve been playing in these conditions – it’s nothing new,” she said. “I always make a joke, we’ve probably faced all of these deliveries in net sessions. Why can’t we just go into a game and execute?”
Execution, intensity, and leaving behind the weight of past performances are now central to South Africa’s game plan.
“Coach has said, ‘Leave everything behind. Tomorrow is another opportunity,’” Jafta added. “A lot of different individuals will put up their hands in tomorrow’s game.”
What’s Next
Both South Africa and New Zealand are winless after their opening games. With only a limited number of group matches in the World Cup format, Monday’s fixture in Indore could be pivotal for either side’s hopes of progressing.