After a handsome start to their Tri-Series challenge, a formidable Indian side will aim to carry their winning momentum into their second match of the series as they take on South Africa at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on April 29.
Fresh off a convincing nine-wicket win over hosts Sri Lanka — achieved with 56 balls to spare in a rain-curtailed 39-over contest — the Indian side will be brimming with confidence. A combined bowling effort from Sneh Rana and N. Charani restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 147, before Pratika Rawal’s composed fifty, supported by fluent 40s from Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol, ensured a comfortable chase.
Meanwhile, South Africa, keen to stamp their authority early in the tournament, will be eager to test India’s mettle in what promises to be a crucial clash.
Squads:
India Women Cricket Team
Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Tejal Hasabnis, N Shree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Chloe Tryon
Players to watch out:
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana will be one of the most prominent players to watch out for in the game against South Africa. The Indian vice-captain looked in sublime touch in the opening encounter, scoring a fluent 43 off 46 balls with six boundaries- falling short of her 31st ODI half-century. With 562 runs at a strike rate of 111.5 in her last 10 outings, Mandhana’s recent form makes her the biggest threat for the Proteas bowling line-up.
Arundhati Reddy
Right-arm medium pacer Arundhati Reddy has been in good rhythm recently, picking up five wickets across her last two matches. In India’s Tri-Series opener against Sri Lanka, she delivered a tidy spell, conceding just 26 runs and claiming a wicket in her eight-over outing. Her ability to keep things tight and strike at crucial moments adds depth to India’s bowling attack.
Laura Wolvaardt
South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt is playing in a league of her own, leading from the front with staggering consistency. Over her last 10 innings, she has piled up 693 runs at an astonishing average of 115.5 and a strike rate of 88.5. Her ability to anchor the innings while scoring at a healthy rate makes her the biggest threat to India’s bowlers.
Ayabonga Khaka
Experienced campaigner Ayabonga Khaka brings a wealth of experience to South Africa’s bowling attack. The 32-year-old, leading from the front, has featured in 106 ODIs, scalping 131 wickets at a career economy of just 4.20. In her last nine matches, she has added nine wickets to her tally, maintaining a steady economy of 5.15 — underlining her knack for being consistent with the ball.
Pitch:
The surface at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium is known for high-scoring games. Historically, the average score in ODIs hovers around the 230-run mark, however, modern-day cricket has seen the surface as a joy to bat on. Spinners have extracted more help from the surface than the batters, and teams winning the toss could elect to bat first. Defending an above- par score is easier at the stadium.
Weather:
There are slight chances of rain playing spoilsport in the game, with 35% chances of precipitation. Temperature of 31 degrees Celsius and humidity levels of 68% are anticipated for the day.
Fantasy XI Picks:
Richa Ghosh, Laura Wolvaardt, Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Nadine de Klerk, Sune Luus, Arundhati Reddy, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Match details:
Date – April 29, 2025
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Broadcast – Fans in India can catch the action live on FanCode, while the match will be available for live streaming globally on the Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel.
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