Proteas Women need 'others' to support more

ONE defeat is not a catastrophe.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

No matter how crushing it was. The Proteas Women's have shown before — most notably at last year’s ODI World Cup in India when they were bowled out for 69 in their opening game - that they can bounce back.So, to refer to their 80-run defeat to New Zealand at the Bay Oval as a 'crisis' in some circles may be a bit harsh to coach Mandla Mashimbyi and his charges. For me, it was more the repeat nature of the defeat. There were promising signs against "lesser teams" such as Ireland and Pakistan over the home summer that "the others" were starting to contribute meaningful runs.

"The others" are everybody but captain Laura Wolvaardt, her opening partner Tazmin Brits and veteran allrounder Marizanne Kapp.

Sune Luus was arguably the player of the home summer with hefty contributions against Ireland and Pakistan in both formats, Annerie Dercksen returned to form, and even wicket-keeper Sinalo Jafta raised her bat for a maiden ODI half-century in her 50th game.

But once again, when faced with quality opposition, and the White Ferns certainly are as the current T20 world