Proteas Women aim to bounce back against New Zealand

The Proteas Women and wicketkeeper-batter, Sinalo Jafta, are determined to produce a strong comeback performance in their second match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 against New Zealand in Indore on Monday. The team will be eager to make amends following their disappointing opening defeat to England.

The contest will take place at the Holkar Stadium from 3pm local time (11.30am SAST) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Grandstand (Ch. 201).

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Sunday, Jafta reflected on the team’s 10-wicket loss to England and emphasised the importance of bouncing back with intent.

“We always knew coming into a tournament like this, games like this happen. Laura (Wolvaardt) capped it off nicely, saying we don't become a bad batting unit overnight.

“Homework was done and now we're just looking forward to the next one,” the 31-year-old said.

Jafta was one of the few positives from the opening match, top-scoring with a determined 22 in an otherwise below par batting display. Reflecting on the result in Guwahati, she acknowledged England’s clinical execution but maintained that the Proteas were focused on learning and moving forward.

“You can't take away the smarts from England. They came in with a plan, they executed the plan.

“So, I think it's just about being honest and saying it wasn't a good day out. And we take whatever we want but we're not going to dwell on that. We're just going to say this is what didn't work.

“We have another game and you can't ponder on one performance,” Jafta added.

The Proteas now turn their attention to New Zealand, the reigning ICC Women’s T20 World Cup champions, who defeated South Africa in the 2024 final in Dubai.

Historically, the White Ferns hold the upper hand in One-Day Internationals, having won 12 of 20 encounters between the sides. However, South Africa claimed a 2-1 series victory when the teams last met in 2023 on home soil.

Assessing the challenge ahead, Jafta praised New Zealand’s batting line-up while stressing the importance of discipline and adaptability for the Proteas in Indian conditions.

“I think for us, we know that as a bowling unit,we need to be really disciplined in our lines.

“You have the likes of Amelia Kerr, Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine that have been playing for a really long time. But, also, not underestimating Georgia Plimmer, (Maddy) Green, Izzy Gaze,” the right-hander noted.

“We've shed light on the batting. It's just going to be about the character of the team.

“Are we willing to dig deep? I mean, we came from Pakistan, where we were able to. And, before that, we were in Sri Lanka. So, we've been playing in these conditions. It's nothing new. We have probably faced all of these deliveries in net sessions, why can’t we just go into the game and execute.”

Proteas Women Squad

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, and Chloé Tryon.

Travelling Reserve

Miané Smit

Management

Mandla Mashimbyi (Head Coach), Sedibu Mohlaba (Team Manager), Claire Terblanche (Assistant Coach), Baakier Abrahams (Batting Coach), Dillon du Preez (Bowling Coach), Bongani Ndaba (Fielding Coach), Zane Webster (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Abram Ramoadi (Performance Analyst), Neline Hoffman-Kellerman (Physiotherapist), Dr Tshegofatso Gaetsewe (Team Doctor), Happiness Mesi (Logistics and Massage Therapist), Lita Gqirana (Media Manager) and Zahid Shaik (Close Protection Officer).

Fixtures - ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

Friday @ 11.30am - South Africa v England (Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati) - England won by 10 wickets

Monday @ 11.30am - South Africa v New Zealand (Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore)

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, 29 October @ 11.30am - Semi-final 1 (TBC)

Thursday, 30 October @ 11.30am - Semi-final 2 (Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai)

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