Proteas Women focused on Pakistan test despite booking CWC25 semi-final berth

Proteas Women seamer Masabata Klaas emphasised that the team is not looking too far ahead despite securing their place in the semi-finals, as they prepare for their penultimate ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 league match against Pakistan in Colombo on Tuesday.

The encounter is set to take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium from 3pm local time (11.30am SAST) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Cricket (Ch. 212).

Following four consecutive victories after their opening defeat to England, South Africa, who currently sit third on the log, sealed their semi-final berth with two matches remaining after the recent rain-affected fixtures in Colombo confirmed that the team cannot finish lower than fourth place.

In conversation with the media at the pre-match press conference on Monday, Klaas noted that although the team was delighted to have qualified for the semi-finals, they remain grounded and focused on their ultimate goal.

“It's something that every team wanted but every game is important. With the semi-finals, it's something that we also wanted but it doesn't stop there. Our focus now is tomorrow's game.

“We came here with one goal of winning the trophy. So when it comes to rain and stuff, we have no control over that. It worked in our favour because we managed to play 20 overs in our last game,” the experienced bowler said.

With full attention now on Pakistan, a side South Africa has beaten in 23 of their previous 31 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), which includes the most recent ODI series that ended 2-1 in favour of the Proteas in Lahore last month, Klaas was quick to acknowledge the threat posed by their subcontinent opponents.

“Pakistan is a strong team. We cannot just go there and think that we're just going to walk in the park. One thing that's going to work for us is to stick to the basics and do what we've been doing from day one of the World Cup. We're not going to take them for granted. Every game is important to us.

“We are ready and we go there with a positive mindset of winning tomorrow's game,” the right-arm bowler continued.

On a personal note, Klaas enjoyed a strong performance in South Africa’s last match against Sri Lanka at the same venue, claiming two key wickets, including that of captain Chamari Athapaththu, to help secure victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.

Reflecting on her contribution to the Proteas bowling attack, Klaas highlighted her strengths and the role she plays within the team.

“I'm that kind of bowler whereby I'm attacking. When I bowl, I focus on one thing and that one thing is to bowl dot balls. Because if you bowl dot balls, the pressure will come. I'll say I'm special in my own way, because I can bounce and I can nip the ball in and out. So that's what makes me special,” she added.

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) - SA won by six wickets

Thursday @ 11.30am - South Africa v India (ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam) - SA won by three wickets

Monday @ 11.30am - South Africa v Bangladesh (ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam) - SA won by three wickets

Friday @ 11.30am - South Africa v Sri Lanka (R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo) - SA won by 10 wickets (DLS)

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

Saturday 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)