The Lions are the team to beat right now, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 25 points and a near-perfect run of four wins and a No Result in their last five games. They go up against a North West Women’s side that is finally finding some momentum. North West has won their last two matches but sit at the bottom, 6th, with 9 points, signaling they aren’t ready to let the top teams have it all their own way.
Squads:
Lions Women’s Cricket Team
Nonkululeko Thabethe, Diara Ramlakan, Madison Landsman, Razeena Manack, Jenna Evans, Sunette Viljoen-Louw, Fay Cowling, Shabnim Ismail, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Ngomotso Rapoo, Relebohile Mkhize
North West Women’s Cricket Team
Verunissa Reddy, D van Rensburg, Phebe Molkenboer, Mignon du Preez, Jané Winster, K Lemphane, Alyssa Erxleben, Rentia Tolmay, Tabitha la Grange, Nthabiseng Nini, Katlego Sethlodi
Players to watch out:
Sunette Viljoen
The multi-talented veteran continues to defy age, scoring 265 runs at a healthy average of 44.16. She has been the rock for the Lions, remaining not out twice and providing two crucial half-centuries. Her experience shows in her composure, often batting deep to ensure her side puts up a competitive total.
Verunissa Reddy
Verunissa has been a mainstay in the North West lineup, featuring in 8 matches and accumulating 210 runs. While she’s still searching for that big triple-digit score, her two half-centuries and 28 boundaries show she’s capable of setting a strong platform. She’s a gritty player who works hard for every run in the middle.
Raisibe Ntozakhe
Raisibe has been the definition of tight this season, conceding only 3.32 runs per over. With 10 wickets to her name at an impressive average of 16.60, she has become the Lions’ go-to defensive weapon. Her ability to keep things quiet often forces batters into mistakes, making her one of the most effective tactical bowlers in the series.
Nthabiseng Nini
Nini has been a workhorse for North West, leading the attack with 14 wickets in 9 matches. She has bowled a massive 74 overs, the most in the top tier, showing incredible stamina and consistency. With an economy of 3.83 and a best of 3/23, she is arguably the most reliable frontline seamer in the competition right now.
Pitch:
The pitches at school-level grounds like Steyn School in Dainfern are typically hard and flat, designed to encourage stroke play. The tracks often stay dry, offering consistent bounce but limited lateral movement unless there is early morning moisture.
Weather:
Sunny during the day and partly cloudy at night, the conditions will see a high of 26°C, low of 13°C, with a light 9 mph breeze from the south.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Nonkululeko Thabethe, Razeena Manack, Sunette Viljoen-Louw, Fay Cowling, Shabnim Ismail, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Verunissa Reddy, D van Rensburg, Mignon du Preez, Tabitha la Grange, Nthabiseng Nini
Match Details:
Date – March 7, 2026
Time – 1:30 PM IST
Venue – Steyn School, Dainfern
Broadcast – T.B.C.
Loves all things female cricket