Proteas Women now target series win after first ODI win in Bloemfontein

Luus came agonisingly close to her third ODI century as she ran out of balls on 97 not out, propelling South Africa to a total of 260/6 in a reduced 41 overs. 

The former captain reiterated their stance of wanting to win a lot more bilateral series than before, and would like nothing better than to wrap this one up at their next match in Centurion on Wednesday, before heading to Durban to close out the inbound tour.

"Yeah I think it's a big one for us, I think it's always great to start our ODI campaign in a year like this. It definitely gave us momentum going into the next game where we can potentially get a series win,” Lulus said. 

“I think in the past we've done pretty well at World Cups but not so much at series, especially at home as well so we are really trying to put some authority on that. So, we are trying our best and hopefully we have the momentum on our side now to go and get that series win in the next game."

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Luus could have pushed harder to get to the milestone but showed incredible team spirit with Sinalo Jafta given a lot more freedom with the bat. 

The experienced wicket-keeper notched up her first half century to finish on 57, on the occasion of her 50th ODI for South Africa.

"Yeah I think for me it was just about long and deep, when she came in, there was still about 10 or 11 overs left and obviously the bowlers came in after so I wanted to stay there until the end and just make sure we have that platform,” she added. 

“I think it was very important for me to stay in there and luckily she was hitting the ball very nicely, so it was easy for me just to get the single to her. Not that I didn't try, I mean, I think she was just hitting it very nicely today. 

“You know when a player plays like that, you just give them the credit and you put them on strike and you let them entertain everyone."