Nadine de Klerk identifies key factor in T20 World Cup opening loss

South Africa fell to a 65-run loss at Old Trafford in Manchester, and de Klerk stopped short of admitting they made a mistake by playing the whole powerplay with a pace attack and only introduced their two specialist spinners after the sixth over.

The Aussies ended up posting 172 in their 20 overs, while The Proteas Women were dismissed for a paltry 107 in just under 17 overs.

South Africa would have had to break the record for the highest successful run chase had they won the match, with the current total of 165 by England against Australia - standing since 2009. 

De Klerk still insists, however, that they felt it was a reachable target at the change of innings.

"At the halfway mark we felt that it was a pretty good wicket and we expected it to be a little bit slower than what it was. We obviously lost our way in that middle period because once you keep on losing wickets you're on the back foot the whole time. A good effort in the end despite us not really being able to string together any partnerships."

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An element of surprise from coach Mandla Mashimbyi was de Klerk coming in at four as opposed to her more usual place down the order. She says while it took some adjusting as she posted her 25 runs, she’s flexible enough to play wherever she’s deployed.

While the stuttering start is not ideal for South Africa, the 26-year-old says there’s no reason they should not be able to pick themselves up and kick on from here.