The Proteas Women's cricket team is buzzing with anticipation as they prepare to face off against India, the hosts of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. The match is scheduled to 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).
After a tough start to the tournament with a disappointing defeat, the South African team bounced back with a dominant six-wicket victory against New Zealand. Key players like Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tazmin Brits, and Suné Luus delivered outstanding performances, showcasing the team's resilience and potential.
Allrounder Nadine de Klerk expressed the team's positive mindset and readiness for the challenge ahead. She highlighted the importance of learning from their initial setback and praised the record-breaking partnership between Brits and Luus in the match against New Zealand. "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," De Klerk stated.
However, the Proteas Women are aware that facing India on their home turf presents a different level of challenge. While South Africa has won 12 of their 33 previous encounters against India, the hosts have secured 20 victories, with one match ending in no result. De Klerk acknowledged India's strong bowling attack and the effectiveness of their spinners as key threats.
Key Matchup: Proteas Batting vs. India's Spin
The success of the Proteas Women will depend heavily on their ability to counter India's spin bowlers and build solid partnerships. Tazmin Brits' recent form provides a boost, but the entire batting lineup needs to contribute to put pressure on the Indian bowlers.
Can the Proteas Upset the Hosts?
This match is crucial for both teams as they aim to solidify their position in the tournament. A victory for the Proteas Women would not only boost their confidence but also send a strong message to other contenders. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, and South African fans will be eagerly watching to see if their team can overcome the odds and secure a memorable win against the World Cup hosts.
Watch Live!
- SuperSport Grandstand (Ch 201)
- 11.30am SAST