Proteas Women geared up for India cauldron

“IND-YAAA, IND-YAAA!” This is the chant that will reverberate around Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VCDA Cricket Stadium whenever Smriti Mandhana elegantly strokes the ball through the covers.

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Drums will beat, trumpets and whistles blown, flags waved, and grown men fully painted in the tri-colours will create a cacophony of noise that the Proteas Women have yet to encounter.

Facing India, in a World Cup, at home, is simply a different beast to any other challenge, but one the Proteas are looking to embrace.

“It’s always a challenge, but I think it's also nice,” Proteas allrounder Nadine de Klerk said on the eve of this mouthwatering World Cup clash.

“I think we were here last year, and it was also quite a big crowd. So, I think it's a nice thing about women’s cricket in India. It's great to see all the support.

“And veal I guess it's a bit different than what we're used to, but I think it's a really exciting challenge and obviously a massive clash as well”