“The first priority is to start racking up those points in the qualification for the World Cup,” said Proteas white-ball captain, Temba Bavuma, ahead of the first ODI against Ireland. 

South Africa aspire to achieve a better understanding of the brand of ODI cricket they want to play. “We’ve done that fairly well in the West Indies, albeit it was in T20 cricket, but it does flow into ODI cricket,” said Bavuma. 

Bavuma expects all-rounders to play a key role in this series, given the conditions on offer. Providing players with opportunities to showcase their skills is a central focus of the team management on this tour. 

While South Africa will want to win as many games as possible, Bavuma wants the team to follow a process. “In pursuant of those results, we know there’s a process that we’d like to master. That’s where our focus is,” stated Bavuma. With the qualification process for the ODI World Cup being underway, Bavuma believes “it gives us a good opportunity to get our ducks in a row.

If we have to play cricket under pressure, so be it. It’s not a bad thing. It will really go a long way in strengthening our mental resolve.” 

Bavuma threw his weight behind Andile Phehlukwayo, who was deemed to be out of form in the white-ball series against Pakistan. “I definitely see Andile playing a big part for the Proteas. He’s an integral member of our squad. He’s one of the few guys with considerable experience behind him. He still plays a massive role in our team.”