Proteas 'weren't present' in shock World Cup loss, says 'keeper: 'Margin of error is so slim'

Proteas wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta admits they weren't present and disciplined following their Women's T20 World Cup opening loss to Sri Lanka.

The hosts started off their campaign with the worst possible start as they fell three runs short at Newlands on Friday.

Chasing a modest 130 to win their opening Group A encounter, the Proteas women suffered a horrid batting collapse against a fierce spinning Sri Lankan attack.

Jafta only managed 15 before she was run out in the penultimate over, with South Africa needing 13 runs for victory.

LIVE | Sri Lanka spoil Newlands party, upset Proteas in Women's T20 World Cup opener

The Proteas were restricted to 126-9, thanks to an all-round bowling effort led by spinner Inoka Banaweera, who took three for 18.

"I just think from our end, we lost wickets in clusters and I mean, that's been going on for a while," Jafta told reporters on Friday following the defeat.

"I think just going back to the drawing board and saying, 'how do we actually get this right?' As a team, we're very hard on ourselves and I know we will figure it out and when we do, it's just going to be going forward from there.

"It's just working on those small touches and obviously, bouncing back for the next game."

The pressure of hosting a Women's T20 World Cup seemed too much for Sune Luus' side. The opening encounter saw Newlands' online tickets sold out as thousands cheered on South Africa under lights.

Jafta says that nerves could've played a part but insists they need to be better in crucial situations.

"I can't speak for the others. But one thing I will say is I will commend Cape Town for actually coming through. The fans were really incredible," said Jafta.

"And when we speak about nerves, I mean, as an athlete, we live for