Proteas Women want to build momentum in Pakistan before the World Cup

Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt has underlined the significance of the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan, with the opening fixture taking place on Tuesday in Lahore.

The first of three ODIs will get underway at 3.30pm local time (3.30pm SAST) at the Gaddafi Stadium and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Cricket (212).

Speaking in her pre-match press conference, Wolvaardt highlighted the value of playing in subcontinental conditions ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka.

“This series is super crucial for us. Obviously, heading into the World Cup, getting to be in the subcontinent before is a massive opportunity.

“Getting used to conditions, getting used to how hot it is, obviously coming from winter at home, it's been a bit of an adjustment. And just to play cricket together again as a group. We've last played together maybe five, six weeks ago, so just to get some momentum leading into a big tournament like that will be huge,” the opening batter added.

South Africa hold a dominant record over Pakistan in ODI cricket, winning 21 of the 28 encounters between the two nations, with five defeats, one tie and one no result. Their most recent series meeting came in Karachi in 2023, when the visitors secured a 2-1 triumph.

Despite their track record, Wolvaardt is anticipating another testing contest against Fatima Sana’s Pakistan side, with the Proteas Women returning for a white-ball series in the country for a third successive year.

“They're a really good side. We've had some good battles coming here the last couple of seasons. We've been here three Septembers in a row now and it's a side we really like playing against and that we have really good challenges and battles against. In their conditions, it suits their attack with the ball, so we'll have to play some good cricket if we want to win the series.”

Looking ahead to the three matches, Wolvaardt noted that the team will aim to strike a balance between securing victories and giving the full squad valuable game time in preparation for the World Cup.

“All squad members should get a go in this series. The ODI World Cup is a long time, so I need to get everyone exposed to playing a bit of cricket. We'll still be looking to put out very strong playing XIs, and to win the series is our main goal but having everyone get a run in the series will be important.”

Proteas Women Squad - ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 & Pakistan Tour

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 - Pakistan Tour (All times are SAST)

Tuesday @ 12.30pm - 1st ODI: Pakistan v South Africa (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)

Friday @ 12.30pm - 2nd ODI: Pakistan v South Africa (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)

Monday @ 12.30pm - 3rd ODI: Pakistan v South Africa (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)

Fixtures - ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

Friday, 3 October @ 11.30am - South Africa v England (Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati)

Monday, 6 October @ 11.30am - South Africa v New Zealand (Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore)

Thursday, 9 October @ 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)