Pakistan will give South Africa a good run for money, feels Dinesha Devnarain  

South Africa U-19 and National Academy coach Dinesha Devnarain is happy with how the players have gone into the business in the pre-tour camp ahead of the Pakistan series that starts on January 20 in Durban. The board has named a 24-member squad who have been training together from January 8 that consists of several news faces.



“We were blessed enough to host a lot of camps leading up to this series that has helped our preparations to go well now and hopefully we can have a good showcase of cricket,” Devnarain said in a statement issued by Cricket South Africa. After a long break due to the COVID-19 lockdown, women’s cricket returned in the country through the Women’s Super League in December.



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The former cricketer believes that the home series is a perfect opportunity for the academy youngsters and the players who performed well in the T20 tournament and gives them a chance to showcase their skill at the top level.



“We have quite a few of the young academy players here and now it is a great opportunity for them and the players who have done well in the WSL (Women Super League) to take that performance to international cricket,” she said.



“I just hope they go out there with a fearless brand of cricket and hopefully can be match-winners for their country, especially with a few of our senior players missing out due to injury.”



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With all the matches happening in Durban, Devnarain is happy that she can pass on some tips and advice to the players since it’s her hometown and is optimistic about South Africa’s chances against Pakistan who are coming with a new coach.



“Luckily, I am from Durban and in terms of acclimatising I can give the girls few tips here and there. However, that alone will not give us the edge, at the end of the day we have to play a good brand of cricket that will show how far we have come as a team and be cognizant that Pakistan are a very good side that will give us a good run for our money,” said Devnarain.