Loubser eyes clean sweep against West Indies

South African women's captain Sunette Loubser is keen to make up for the defeats to West Indies in the World Cup and World Twenty20, when they host them for four ODIs and three Twenty20s, beginning Friday. While West Indies beat South Africa by two wickets in a narrow finish during the Group A match of the Women's World Cup in March this year, they eked out a three-run win during their World Twenty20 three months later.

"We are going into this series on the back of two defeats against West Indies and we are ready for the task. We are going out there with the intention of achieving a clean sweep," Loubser said. "The players believe in their ability and although it is in the past, we want to make up for our poor record. Our top six need to come to the party and post large totals while our bowlers need to keep it tight and disciplined, basics are key."

The South Africans will feel confident ahead of the opening ODI at Paarl, despite their warm-up match being rained out on Monday. They have put in arduous and intense work over the past days, and will rely on their performance on the field.

The series, which takes place in Cape Town and Paarl, has been keenly anticipated by the locals, whom Loubser believes will make a big difference. She said they would look to exploit the advantage from the ground and local conditions as well.

"I've played in Boland for the past 15 years so we have brought in the players that can make good use of the playing conditions. It will really come down to who wants it the most and to who uses their resources to the best."

Schedule:
October 16: 1st ODI - Paarl
October 18: 2nd ODI - Cape Town
October 21: 3rd ODI - Paarl
October 23: 4th ODI - Cape Town
October 25: 1st Twenty20 international - Paarl
October 26: 2nd Twenty20 international - Cape Town
October 28: 3rd Twenty20 international - Paarl