The 2025/26 CSA Pro Women’s T20 season kicks off with an exciting clash between the Lions Women and Dolphins Women. Both teams have a strong T20 pedigree in South African domestic cricket, and this first match will set the tone for what promises to be a competitive and closely fought tournament.
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
Dolphins Women’s Cricket Team
Alex Candler, Courtney Gounden, Nicole de Klerk, Yasmeen Khan, Asakhe Nyovane, Kwanga Pinini, Seshnie Naidu, Micaela Andrews, Ayanda Hlubi, Jade de Figueieredo, Nobulumko Baneti
Players to watch out:
Nonkululeko Thabethe
Nonkululeko Thabethe is a prominent name in the CSA Women Pro20 Series. Last season, she scored 171 runs from 7 matches at an average of around 28.50, with the highest score of 55. She also scored two fifties, highlighting her consistency and impact with the bat. She is one of the key players for the Lions and will be crucial for them going ahead in the tournament.
Sunette Viljoen-Louw
Sunette Viljoen-Louw is a right-handed top-order batter and right-arm medium bowler, known for her all-round capabilities. In the CSA Women Pro20 Series 2024/25, she scored 99 runs in 9 matches at an average of 24.75, with the highest score of unbeaten 30. She was a consistent performer for the Lions Women, also contributing significantly in the field, making her one of the standout players of the tournament.
Alex Candler
Alex Candler is a right-handed batter for Dolphins Women in the CSA Women Pro20 Series. Last season, she played 9 matches, scoring 205 runs at an average of 25.62. She made two fifties, showing consistency and the ability to contribute crucial runs for her team in the T20 format. She is also the skipper of the Dolphins and will play a key part in the tournament.
Nicole de Klerk
Nicole de Klerk is a right-handed batter known for her aggressive and technically sound batting style. In the CSA Women Pro20 Series 2024/25, she played 8 matches, scoring 219 runs at an average of 31.28 with a top score of 72 not out. Her strike rate was an impressive 118.37, reflecting her ability to score quickly and effectively in the shorter format. She will be a key player for the Dolphins in the tournament.
Pitch:
The pitch in Johannesburg typically offers good bounce and pace, favoring fast bowlers early in the game, but it tends to become more batter friendly as the match progresses. Due to its hard surface, spinners may get some assistance later on, but overall, it supports aggressive batting, especially under sunny conditions.
Weather:
Johannesburg is expected to be pleasant with mostly sunny skies and decreasing cloud cover. Temperatures will be comfortable, and it should be a good day for cricket with minimal chances of rain or disruptions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Alex Candler, Courtney Gounden, Nicole de Klerk, Yasmeen Khan, Asakhe Nyovane, Kwanga Pinini, Nonkululeko Thabethe, Diara Ramlakan, Madison Landsman, Razeena Manack, Sunette Viljoen-Louw
Match Details:
Date – October 5, 2025
Time – 1:30 PM IST
Venue – Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
Loves all things female cricket