Proteas Women ready to take on World Cup hosts India in Vizag

Proteas Women allrounder Nadine de Klerk believes her team are in good spirits and ready for the challenge ahead of their highly anticipated clash against ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 hosts India in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

The encounter will take place at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium at 3pm local time (11.30am SAST) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Grandstand (Ch 201).

Following their disappointing defeat in the opening game of the tournament, South Africa produced a clinical six-wicket victory over New Zealand in their second match, featuring outstanding contributions from Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tazmin Brits, and Suné Luus.

In the pre-match press conference ahead of the Proteas’ meeting with India, De Klerk reflected on the mentality the team had to show in their previous outing, while praising the batting display that saw Brits and Luus combine for a record partnership.

“We just had a horrible day. But we know that happens in cricket sometimes.

“We moved on pretty quickly. We had a couple of discussions just around game plans and how we’re going to go about it. It’s just about finding a way, and to come back after that, in the second game, has been incredible.

“To have Tazmin and Suné stand up and put their hands up after we lost an early wicket was incredible. It just brings a lot of good vibes and a lot of positivity within our group just to showcase that we are capable of it,” the right-arm seamer added.

Despite the convincing performance against the White Ferns, the contest against India will present a different set of challenges for the South African side. The Proteas Women have won 12 of their previous 33 matches against the hosts, compared to India’s 20 victories and one no result.

Assessing India’s strengths, De Klerk pinpointed their potent bowling attack and the effectiveness of their spinners in home conditions.

SPIN-HEAVY

“India is obviously a quality bowling attack. Especially their two new-ball bowlers have been quite successful, even in conditions where it’s been a bit more suitable for the spinners. They’re looking to swing the ball early on, and they put teams on the back foot by picking up a few early wickets.

“I think we’re well prepared for whatever comes our way. But we do expect it to be spin-heavy. It has been whenever we’ve played them, even in the Tri-Series, it’s been spin-dominant.

“The biggest focus is still trying to get through that new ball pair that’s been really successful for them over the last couple of months, but I think spin is going to be really key for both sides. Whoever plays spin the best will come out on top.”

With the home side set to play their first match of the tournament in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, a large and vocal crowd is expected to rally behind India, something De Klerk and her teammates are eager to embrace.

“It’s always a challenge, but I think it’s also nice. We were here last year, and it was also quite big crowds.

“It’s a nice thing about women’s cricket in India. It’s great to see all the support, and I guess it’s a bit different than what we’re used to. It’s a really exciting challenge and obviously a massive clash.

Proteas Women Squad - ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 & Pakistan Tour

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), and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

Travelling Reserve

Miané Smit (Fidelity Titans)

Fixtures - ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

Thursday, 09 October at 11.30am - South Africa v India (ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam)

Monday, 13 October at 11.30am - South Africa v Bangladesh (ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam)

Friday, 17 October at 11.30am - South Africa v Sri Lanka (R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)

Tuesday, 21 October at 11.30am - South Africa v Pakistan (R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)

Saturday, 25 October at 11.30am - South Africa v Australia (Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore)

Wednesday, 29 October at 11.30am - Semifinal 1 (TBC)

Thursday, 30 October at 11.30am - Semifinal 2 (Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai)

Sunday, 2 November at 11.30am - Final (TBC)