Proteas Under-19 pace bowler Monalisa Legodi wants to keep the momentum built in the match against Ireland, as the team prepares to face US in their second Super 6 match on Tuesday.
The Proteas U19 side have swept past their opponents in the T20 World Cup so far and have looked like a well-oiled machine. Legodi, among other bowling talents including Nthabiseng Nini, Seshnie Naidu and Kayla Reyneke have ensured South Africa squeeze their opponents at the neck, leaving little for the batters to do.
Rain has affected the U19 T20 World Cup since the start, with only a few matches the full 20 overs. Conditions were favourable for Legodi, as the Titans bowler saw a lot of swing on the day. She cleaned out the stumps on two of her four wickets.
“I really enjoyed my spell. The ball was coming out well, and I focused on hitting my areas and executing my plans. I was in a good rhythm and backed myself to deliver for the team. It helps when the team around you is buzzing with energy and keeping the atmosphere positive,” Legodi said.
“I want to keep building on this momentum. It’s all about staying consistent, working on my strengths, and contributing in every game. The key is to keep things simple and enjoy the process.
“We have a great team environment where everyone supports each other. Whether it’s celebrating wickets, backing our teammates, or keeping the energy high in the field, that positive vibe makes a big difference – and we thrive off it,” said Legodi.
Now on a winning streak, the Proteas plan to keep this momentum and hopefully secure a spot in the final, head coach Dinesha Devnarain said.
“We’ve faced both Ireland and the US in preparation for this World Cup, but the conditions and stakes are now different. We’ve been preparing the team to adapt to these challenges and approach each game as though we don’t have the upper hand.
“Momentum and learnings from the group stages will be crucial, but we know past performances mean little now — it’s about what we can control and how we execute in these matches,” said Devnarain.