Trisha Ghosal in Guwahati
South Africa, under Laura Wolvaard, look like a solid side. They have consistently been there and thereabouts, reaching semi-finals and finals of ODI and T20I World Cups, but have not yet managed to win the trophy. The men’s team carried the same tag until the Temba Bavuma-led side lifted the World Test Championship in June this year. 2025 has been a year of breaking curses, and the Wolvaardt-led Proteas will hope to do the same. Here’s the SWOT analysis of the side:
Strengths
Opening pair
Tazmin Brits and Wolvaardt have both been in exceptional form. Brits, in fact, comes into the World Cup on the back of three consecutive centuries. Her partner and captain, Wolvaardt, has not been far behind either. The two complement each other. Brits takes the attack to the bowlers, while Wolvaardt takes her time and anchors for a longer innings.
Since January 2024, they are the second-highest run-scoring opening pair in ODIs — Brits and Wolvaardt: 1049 runs in 17 innings, average 61.70, 4/4 50s/100s.
Highest: Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal — 1302 runs in 17 innings, average 76.58, 7/5 50s/100s.
Brits’ last three ODI innings: 101 (91) vs West Indies, 101* (121) vs Pakistan, 171* (141) vs Pakistan.
For More Exciting Articles: Follow RevSportz
All-rounders
South Africa have quality all-rounders in the middle order. Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, and Annerie Dercksen provide a solid balance. Luus adds spin options, Kapp is the lead pacer, and Dercksen, another medium pacer, is one to watch out for.
Weakness
The spin department remains a concern. With the World Cup being hosted in India and Sri Lanka, spin will play a crucial role, but the Proteas lack depth here. Nonkululeko Mlaba will lead the attack, and much of the responsibility rests on her shoulders. The other options, Luus, Chloe Tryon, and Nondumiso Shangase, have shown flashes of quality but have lacked consistency and support.
Opportunity
Crossing the final hurdle. South Africa Women have been consistent contenders in ICC tournaments over the past three years. In 2022, they fell in the semi-final of the ODI World Cup. In 2023 and 2024, they suffered heartbreak in back-to-back T20 World Cup finals. Now, the opportunity lies in finally breaking through and clinching their maiden ODI World Cup title.
Threat
Handling pressure in crunch situations. For South Africa to succeed, they must win the key moments under pressure. Their senior players will need to step up, lead from the front, and ensure the team holds its nerve in high-stakes games.
Predicted Playing XI for WC
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nondumiso Shangase, Ayabonga Khaka.