KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union Media Release

 No: KZNCU2112

22 Jan 2021

Embargo : None

Written by: Dave Macleod

Mlaba & Ismail influential for Proteas women

Durban - As the Momentum Proteas prepare for the inaugural Black Day One-Day International at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, two Hollywoodbets KZN Women stars Nonkululeko Mlaba and Shabnim Ismail starred for the side when they beat Pakistan in the first game of the series on Wednesday.

Ismail was awarded the player of the match award in the opening ODI against Pakistan for her match-winning three for 42 with the ball to go with an important 20 with the bat.

It was a dream debut for Mlaba who was miserly in her work as the premier spinner in the side. The left-arm spinner finished with figures of one for 19 in her ten overs. Significantly, her first wicket in ODI cricket was the Pakistan captain Javeria Khan.

The Black Day One-Day International is the first match of its kind as the Momentum Proteas, dressed in black kit, hope to shed light on the fight against gender based violence in South Africa.

Ismail is excited that the women's side are finally getting their campaign against gender-based violence off the ground following it's postponement last year.

"Gender-based violence is a huge problem in South Africa and by doing this and through the clothing that we are going to wear it shows that we stand for what is right in our country," Ismail said. "Us taking this stand and showing what we believe through sport will hopefully tell the rest of the country and the world that it is a big problem for us."

The men's side have the Pink Day in support of breast cancer awareness in South Africa and now the women's side have their own cause to support, something that is a significant milestone for the side.

"This is a huge thing for us as cricketers but it's also fantastic that CSA have got behind something that we believe in and to have our own Black Day is very special for us.

"The Protea ladies have bought into this idea and we hope that this helps in ending gender-based violence," Ismail added.

Ismail will once again lead the attack for the Proteas women's side and will be looking to put in a big performance in her 100th One Day International.

"I prepare for every game like it's a final and to make my 100th game ever more special I would love to get the player of the match award again through a good contribution to the team."

Stopping the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa is something that KZN Cricket are passionate about and to be able to host the match that kick-starts the campaign is a privilege for KZN Cricket CEO Heinrich Strydom and his team.

“Gender-based violence is a massive problem throughout South Africa and to see our women’s national side taking a stand is brave and encouraging,” Strydom said.

“This stand against GBV will hopefully go a long way to grow awareness of this damaging societal issue. It is an honour to be hosting it at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.”

The Black Day ODI gets underway at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium on Saturday at 10:00am.

For more information visit www.dolphinscricket.co.za

ENDS