The Spar Proteas kept up their dominant performance at the 2023 Netball World Cup, securing a commanding 87-32 victory over Sri Lanka at the CTICC on Saturday afternoon.  

Norma Plummer implemented four changes to the starting seven for this match, but their seamless integration on the court would have escaped your notice. The players fit together like a glove, complementing each other perfectly.  

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From the very first center pass, South Africa presented a formidable challenge for the Indian side, who struggled to score, managing only five goals in the opening ten minutes. The home team took charge and dominated the first quarter, securing a 24-9 lead.  

SRI LANKA OUTCLASSED BY SOUTH AFRICA

Meanwhile, in the second quarter, Sri Lanka came alive a bit, attempting to put up a good fight. However, the Spar Proteas maintained a comfortable lead, making even their errors go unnoticed. In the final five minutes of the quarter, the home team displayed excellent gameplay, much to the delight of their supporters who cheered from the stands. They went into the halftime break with a 27-goal lead.  

The third quarter saw Khanyisa Chawane make her way onto the court, along with Karla Pretorius, who celebrated her milestone of 100 caps. Pretorius made her presence felt in the Sri Lanka shooting circle, causing a significant impact. Nevertheless, the away team struggled once again, managing to score only six goals in this quarter.  

In the final quarter, Ine-Mari Venter entered the game as a goal shooter, prompting Elmeré van der Berg to shift to goal attack, and Nicholé Taljaard made her way out. Meanwhile, Phumza Maweni took over as goalkeeper, with Nicola Smith moving to goal defense, and Shadine van der Merwe assuming the wing defense position. With these changes, the South African side left no stone unturned as they clinched their second victory.  

The home side will return for a much-anticipated match as they take on Jamaica on Sunday at 18:00.

LINE-UP

SOUTH AFRICA: GS Elmeré van der Berg, GA Nicholé Taljaard, WA Bongiwe Msomi (c). Izette Griesel, WD Jeanté Strydom, GD Shadine van der Merwe & GK Nicola Smith

BENCH: Potgieter, Venter, Chawane, Pretorius & Maweni

SRI LANKA: GS Algama, GA Alwis, WA Wannithilake C Amarawansa (c), WD Kaludewa, GD Dissanayeke & GK Jayasooriya

BENCH: Salivangam, Lathpandurage, Hettirachchi, Wijesiri & Kandage.

By Sinolwetu Tompela