Snehasis Mukherjee in Visakhapatnam
India will take on South Africa in their third match of the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, on October 9, in Vizag. The Women in Blue have made a strong start to their campaign, winning both their matches so far — against Sri Lanka in Guwahati and Pakistan in Colombo. With four points and a healthy net run-rate of +1.515, India currently sit third on the points table.
Meanwhile, South Africa had a shaky start to their tournament. They suffered a heavy defeat to England in their opening game in Guwahati but bounced back strongly in Indore, beating New Zealand by six wickets. The Proteas Women now have two points and are placed fifth in the standings with a net run rate of -1.402.
As the action shifts to Vizag, the contest promises to be an exciting one. Will India extend their unbeaten run and make it three wins in a row, or can South Africa silence the home crowd with a powerful statement-like performance? The answer awaits under the lights on Wednesday. However, rain might play a role in the clash.
Head-to-Head in ODIs
- Overall: 33 matches: India 20, South Africa 12, No result 1
- In India: 15 matches: India 9, South Africa 6
- In Women’s World Cups: 5 matches: India 3, South Africa 2
Current Form
India
The home team remains unbeaten so far, winning both their games — but those wins could have been more convincing. Batters have struggled to score freely in both matches, while the bowlers, too, looked less penetrative in the Pakistan clash compared to the one against Sri Lanka.
Fielding remains a concern for India. Against Pakistan, wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh dropped four chances, while N Shree Charani missed one off her own bowling. Hence, all eyes will be on India’s catching and ground fielding in Vizag. If these mistakes persist against stronger teams, it could prove costly and harm India’s chances of advancing deep into the tournament.
South Africa
The Proteas Women suffered a major setback in their World Cup opener against England. They were bundled out for just 69 runs, losing seven wickets to spin. England chased the target without losing a wicket and with 35.5 overs to spare, which caused a big dip in South Africa’s net run-rate.
However, they defeated New Zealand by six wickets in their next game in Indore. Chasing a target of 232, they got home comfortably in 40.5 overs, losing just four wickets. Still, two of those four dismissals came against spin. Hence, another tough test awaits them today against India’s quality spinners.
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Players to Watch Out For
India
Amanjot Kaur
The seam-bowling all-rounder made her return from a back injury sustained during the England tour earlier this year in India’s World Cup opener against Sri Lanka. She contributed with both bat and ball, fielding tirelessly in hot and humid conditions.
Amanjot was rested for the Pakistan game due to a fever, but as Jemimah Rodrigues mentioned in the pre-match press conference, she looked fully fit and bowled in the nets. Her inclusion brings much-needed balance to the side.
Renuka Singh Thakur
The pacer played her first game of the tournament against Pakistan, completing her full quota of 10 overs. The only concern remains her fitness levels, though she appeared perfectly fine during the recent practice sessions.
Renuka’s ability to swing the new ball into the stumps could trouble the South African skipper, Laura Wolvaardt, early on. If India decide to go in with both Renuka and Kranti Gaud, the pair could give India a strong chance to pick early wickets in the powerplay.
South Africa
Tazmin Brits
It has been a dream year for the South African opener. In 11 WODIs this year, Tazmin Brits has scored 749 runs at an average of 83.22 and a strike rate of 96.14. She has already notched up five centuries, the most by any woman in a calendar year, becoming the first to achieve this feat.
Her latest ton came against New Zealand, and she’ll be eager to continue her purple patch against the hosts.
Marizanne Kapp
The veteran all-rounder remains a key figure for South Africa. Kapp is yet to deliver her best in this tournament. Against England, she was dismissed for just four off six balls (by Linsey Smith), and managed 14 off 15 against New Zealand (by Amelia Kerr) — both times falling to spin.
With the ball, she didn’t have much to do against England, but against the White Ferns, she picked up 1 for 34 in eight overs. Her new-ball spell against Smriti Mandhana could be crucial — early swing and movement could test the Indian opener and set the tone for South Africa.
Probable Playing XIs
India: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Kranti Goud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine De Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Also Read: Harmanpreet, Jemimah hit optional nets as South Africa train under lights in rain