Tazmin Brits heaps praise on Ayabonga 'Silent Assassin' Khaka after Proteas bowling heroics

Proteas top-order batter Tazmin Brits has heaped praise on veteran opening bowler Ayabonga Khaka after the victory over New Zealand in the second T20I in Hamilton.

The Proteas bounced back after a listless performance in the series opener at the Bay Oval a few days ago with an 18-run victory at Seddon Park.

Brits top-scored with her 15th T20I half-century to set up the Proteas’ 177/5, but it was Khaka’s heroics with the ball that limited the current Women’s T20 world champions to 159.

Khaka claimed 4/27, picking up wickets upfront in the powerplay, through the middle period, and then again at the backend to close out the game.

“I think when it comes to Aya, she is a silent assassin,” Brits said.

“She is very quiet, but does her job very well. It’s nice to see her do that in the game, because that’s actually who we know.

“The previous game she was a bit all over, so it's nice to have her back.”

Brits felt the entire Proteas bowling unit were much improved after the visitors struggled to adapt to conditions in the series opener when they conceded 190.

“I think they (bowling unit) did very well,” she said.

“I think our slower balls were quite good. I think we also weren't leaving the wicket as much. They wasn't a lot of width like the previous game.

“I think we were either short or full. But I think this time they actually bowled a lot better.”

The Proteas Women now move on to Auckland where they will face the Black Caps in the third match of the series at Eden Park on Friday.