The second ODI between South Africa Women against Ireland Women at St George’s Park in Gqebera, is scheduled for December 16, following the Proteas’ commanding 7-wicket victory in the opener. South Africa aims to seal the series and extend their dominance, while Ireland seeks a morale-boosting win on a pitch that demands patience from batters and rewards disciplined pace bowling.
South Africa, fresh off their ODI World Cup runner-up finish, swept the preceding T20I series 2-0 and cruised to a 7-wicket win in the first ODI, chasing down Ireland’s total with ease. Boasting depth across batting and bowling, plus a lopsided head-to-head record of 19 wins from 21 ODIs against Ireland (one defeat, one no result), the Proteas enter with sky-high confidence and will look to wrap up the series early.
Squads:
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dane van Niekerk
Ireland Women’s Cricket Team
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Jane Maguire, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell
Players to watch out:
Amy Hunter
20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter has played 39 ODIs, amassing 1,066 runs with the highest of 121*. She scored a gritty 32 in the first ODI, providing stability amid the collapse, and her glove work will be crucial on a bouncy track.
Sarah Forbes
Ireland youngster Sarah Forbes, a top-order right-hand batter, has 370 runs from 19 ODIs. Her fluent 42 in the opener highlighted her potential, and she could set the tone if Ireland bat first on this seamer friendly surface.
Suné Luus
With 143 ODIs, 2,738 runs, and 118 wickets (best 6/36), Sune starred in the first ODI with an unbeaten 66 and 1 wicket. Her all-round prowess remains a game-changer for South Africa.
M. Smith
20-year-old right-hand batter and right-arm off-break bowler M. Smith impressed in the opener with 56* and 1 wicket. Her emerging talent adds balance to the Proteas’ middle order and attack.
Pitch:
St George’s Oval in Gqebera has been tricky this season, with an average first innings score of 150.7. Batters must graft for runs on this pacey, bouncy track favoring hard-hitting fast bowlers, while spinners may struggle. History favors batting first (3/4 wins), as the pitch deteriorates—expect the toss winner to set a target.
Weather:
Expect mild conditions with temperatures between 19°C to 24°C, 78% humidity, 20% precipitation chance, and winds at 23 km/h—enough swing early but unlikely to interrupt play fully.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Laura Wolvaardt, Gaby Lewis, Sarah Forbes, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, M. Smith, Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Ayabonga Khaka, Arlene Kelly, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Match details:
Date – December 16, 2025
Time – 1:30 PM IST
Venue – St George’s Oval, Gqeberha
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the JioStar app and website.
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