Proteas Women prepared for home crowd hostility in India showdown

De Klerk and her teammates come into this one on the back of a confidence-boosting six-wicket win over New Zealand on Monday, and a win over the favourites will certainly put them back in the title conversation.

With the women’s game a bit more advanced in that part of the world than in South Africa, she knows they’ll be competing against a buoyant and boisterous crowd in Visakhapatnam.

"It is always a massive challenge, but I think it's also very exciting to play in front of a big crowd. It's great to see all the support in what will be a huge clash."

India is a completely different kettle of fish to New Zealand, and de Klerk is wary of the threat they pose, especially with spin bowling.

She also believes in their own spinning abilities and says it will depend on who executes it better on the day.

"I think India has a quality bowling attack, especially their two new-ball bowlers. They look to swing the ball and take wickets early on before a lengthy period of spin.

"We are prepared for anything that will come our way."

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Having started with an embarrassing 10-wicket loss to England last week, she applauded the fight shown by the team in the second match to come out victorious."

Having travelled quite a bit since the tournament started, the physical aspect may also come into the picture.

De Klerk and her teammates are, however, not fazed by that and are just taking it as it comes.

She also says they don’t mind having to play the big teams right from the start.