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Proteas primed to knock off world's best

South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk is hoping her side claim their third big scalp of the year

South Africa are confident they have what it takes to make history against the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars in their five-match one-day international series this month.

The series kicks off with the first ODI at Canberra's Manuka Oval on Friday and while South Africa have never beaten Australia in any format of the game, Proteas skipper Dane van Niekerk can see an opportunity for her team to claim their third big scalp of the year.

Quick Single: Australia v South Africa: All you need to know guide

"We know they're the best in the world, they're shown that, and we know all-round how strong they are," van Niekerk said in Canberra on Thursday.

"We know how hard they're worked in the off-season, we've read the articles.

"Obviously we're going to try and stick to our game plans a bit more and not focus as much on the opposition.

"I think if we stick to our strengths, we'll come out on top more often than not."

Australia ready to take on the Proteas

South Africa recorded their first ever Twenty20 win against England in February, backing it up with a first (and then a second) ODI victory against New Zealand last month.

They ultimately lost that series 5-2, but van Niekerk doesn't believe the scoreline was an accurate reflection of the progress her team has made.

"We made history against those teams, but during the series against New Zealand, we lost a few games ourselves.

"So we might have got it closer than it was, 5-2 (scoreline) doesn't reflect the cricket we've played through the season.

"We're a growing side and hopefully we can take it further in the future."

South Africa will also draw confidence from the early blows they struck Australia in their last meeting during the World T20 in India in March, when a triple strike left the Aussies reeling at 3-9.

Courageous skipper has Stars in good health

Only a match-saving partnership between captain Meg Lanning and vice-captain Alex Blackwell saved the Southern Stars.

"We've always played good cricket against Australia and it's always good game, so hopefully we can try and get into a winning position more often than losing from (a strong) position."

Quick SIngle: Lanning wants Stars to fire from ball one

However, she knows it won't be easy going against the World No.1 Australians.

The allrounder, who took over as South Africa skipper earlier this year after Mignon du Preez stepped down to focus on her batting, is drawing on her experience playing for Melbourne Renegades in the Rebel Women's Big Bash League last summer.

"We know the quality of the Australian side.

"It's not a team (where you get) two or three batters out and you'll win the game, it's eight or nine batters and then there's always a bowler who sticks up their hand.

"Fortunately I've played alongside and against some of them, so it's nice to be able to use those experiences to help the youngsters who haven't played against them."

While South Africa sit in sixth on the ICC Women's rankings, Australia skipper Lanning confirmed on Thursday she would not be taking them lightly.

"They're a very dangerous side with some match-winners in their team," Lanning said. "They're a team we haven't played much in the last few years so we're very aware we'll have to play good crick to beat them."

Meanwhile, Australia allrounder Ellyse Perry is particularly looking forward to taking on Proteas star – and Sydney Sixers teammate – Marizanne Kapp.

Passionate Kapp captures four

"She's very fiery, she did well big bash and did well in the England Super League this year where she was probably the best bowler at Surrey," Perry said.

"She's going to be a handful, but we're all really aware of her which is great.

"We'll enjoy the challenge of playing against her and all their other players as well."

Australia v South Africa ODIs


18 November: Manuka Oval, Canberra, 2.20pm AEDT*


20 November: Manuka Oval, Canberra, 2.20pm AEDT *


23 November: North Sydney Oval, Sydney, 2.20pm AEDT *


27 November: Coffs Harbour International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, 2.20pm AEDT


29 November: Coffs Harbour International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, 2.20pm AEDT


* ICC Women's Championship matches