The South African Women’s cricket team, buoyed by recent successes, is all set to face the hosts, Sri Lanka, in their fifth league phase match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Taking place on Friday at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the match is scheduled to begin at 15:00 local time (11:30 SAST), and fans can watch the action live on SuperSport Grandstand (Channel 201).
After a rocky beginning to their World Cup journey—with a defeat against England—the Proteas have channelled their energies into a formidable winning streak. Victories over New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh have propelled South Africa to third place with three matches left before the knockout rounds, creating a sense of optimism within the squad.
Spin bowler Nonkululeko Mlaba shared insights on the significance of their recent outings in Colombo, specifically referencing the Women’s ODI Tri Series earlier this year, where South Africa competed against Sri Lanka and India. Her familiarity with the local conditions and the players serves as a crucial advantage as the team seeks to build on its momentum.
“As a team, we kind of know the players. Especially for me as a bowler, I understand where certain players thrive and where their weaknesses lie, so it was very important for me to recognise their capabilities,” Mlaba said. “It’s my second time playing here because we had the Tri-Series against Sri Lanka and India. It’s always good to come back. Hopefully, this time around, I will do well for the team,” she added.
Historically, South Africa boasts a dominant head-to-head record over Sri Lanka in ODI cricket, with 16 victories out of 25 encounters. However, recent matchups reveal a shifting dynamic; Sri Lanka has claimed victory in two of their last three clashes, including an impressive record chase during their recent tour in 2024 and a victory in the first ODI of the Tri-Series, before the Proteas retaliated by winning 76 runs in the following match.
In light of the spin-friendly conditions at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Mlaba emphasised a straightforward approach to her bowling philosophy. With eight wickets to her name in the tournament thus far, she aims to maintain her tried-and-true method of focussing on lines and length.
“It’s just about doing the one thing that I do best; sticking to my good lines and length, and the rest will take care of itself. Every team is very hard to play against. We have played against Sri Lanka in the Tri-Series and also played against them at home, and they beat us in a few games. They definitely have a good team; their spinners are very good and (Chamari) Athapaththu herself is a key player for them,” she remarked, stressing the importance of not underestimating their opponents.
The Proteas have their sights set on victory as they prepare to clash with Sri Lanka, armed with knowledge and experience gained from their prior encounters. As the World Cup excitement builds, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling contest on Friday.
The Proteas Women’s squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 includes:
- Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans)
- Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans)
- Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions)
- Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province)
- Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers)
- Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions)
- Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province)
- Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions)
- Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans)
- Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans)
- Karabo Meso (DP World Lions)
- Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions)
- Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)
Travelling Reserve: Miané Smit (Fidelity Titans)
Upcoming Fixtures:
- Friday, 17 October at 11h30 – South Africa vs Sri Lanka (R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)
- Tuesday, 21 October at 11h30 – South Africa vs Pakistan (R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)
- Saturday, 25 October at 11h30 – South Africa vs Australia (Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore)
- Wednesday, 29 October at 11h30 – Semi-final 1 (TBC)
- Thursday, 30 October at 11h30 – Semi-final 2 (Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai)
- Sunday, 02 November at 11h30 – Final (TBC)