Masabata Klaas plans to keep the pressure on as Proteas build momentum in NZ

Proteas pace bowler Masabata Klaas hinted that South Africa is only getting started in the ongoing Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.

South Africa got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start by defeating Bangladesh by 32 runs this past weekend.

Klaas was part of the stellar Proteas line-up, who bundled Bangladesh out for 175, as she took two for 36 in Dunedin.

"We took a lot of positives out of the game even though our batters didn't have a good start," Klaas said during an official media engagement with CSA.

"We thought together as a team and kept on encouraging each other. In the bigger games, we know how our girls will perform because we're a group of talented players."

Klaas, who has played 53 ODIs so far, comes with a wealth of experience as she participates in her second World Cup. However, this time, the 31-year-old understands her game more and knows what is needed from her.

"I tell myself it's one game at a time and from then on, it's building up. The Masabata back then to the one now, I must say, there's a huge difference," said Klaas.

"If you work hard behind closed doors, the results will come afterwards.

"As a pace bowler, I just want to improve in every game. You need to make sure you're there for the team."

The Proteas women are known to have one of the toughest bowling line-ups with Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka leading from the front.

Klaas' role is to support the trio after their opening spells and it's a position she has come to terms with.

"I'm a bowler that likes to put pressure on batters. We have good opening bowlers - Shabnim, Marizanne and Ayabonya," said Klaas.

"I always tell myself that the first spell after the opening bowlers, I have to bowl and maintain and keep that