The fifth match of the Women’s ODI Tri-Series promises a thrilling face-off as India Women take on South Africa Women at Colombo’s iconic R. Premadasa Stadium. Both teams are coming off disappointing losses and will be desperate to bounce back. With a potential spot in the final on the line, expect intensity and fireworks. South Africa will be particularly eager to settle scores after falling 15 runs short in their previous encounter against India.
India’s campaign hit a speed bump in their last outing against Sri Lanka, where they fell short by 3 wickets while defending 275. Despite a fiery 58 off 48 from Richa Ghosh and a tidy 3/45 spell by Sneh Rana, the hosts clinched a close win. South Africa too were handed a surprise defeat by Sri Lanka, who chased down 236 despite a valiant 61 from Annerie Dercksen and a disciplined 2/44 by Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Squads:
India Women
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Tejal Hasabnis, N. Shree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay
South Africa Women
Laura Wolvaardt (C), 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:
Jemimah Rodrigues – India
The 24-year-old batter continues to impress with her consistency. Having represented India in 45 ODIs, Rodrigues has scored 1171 runs and also chipped in with 5 wickets. Her top score stands at 102, while her best bowling figures are 4/3. She struck 41 against South Africa and followed it with a fluent 37 against Sri Lanka—clearly in form and a vital cog in India’s middle order.
Kashvee Gautam – India
The 22-year-old pacer is finding her feet in international cricket. Though wicketless in her first three ODIs, Kashvee has kept things tight with returns of 0/28 (8) and 0/23 (5) against Sri Lanka, and 0/47 (7.2) against South Africa. With the bat, she’s shown promise down the order, striking a handy 17 off 11 in India’s latest match.
Sune Luus – South Africa
A seasoned campaigner at 29, Luus brings a wealth of experience with 128 ODIs under her belt. She has amassed 2335 runs with a highest of 107* and claimed 116 wickets, including a best of 6/36. In this series, she contributed 28 and 0/24 against India, followed by 31 and 1/34 against Sri Lanka. A genuine all-rounder who can turn the game with either discipline.
Nadine de Klerk – South Africa
The 25-year-old all-rounder remains a valuable asset with both bat and ball. In her 43 ODIs, she has scored 606 runs with a best of 60 and taken 51 wickets, including a personal best of 4/32. Against India, she returned 1/39, and in the last game versus Sri Lanka, she added 17 runs and 1/32—offering consistent contributions.
Pitch:
The R. Premadasa Stadium is known to favour batters, with the average first-innings score sitting around 235. However, spinners tend to come into play as the match progresses, especially under the lights. Expect the team winning the toss to opt for bowling first, aiming to exploit early moisture and chase under more predictable conditions.
Weather:
Rain may play spoilsport, with a 40% chance of precipitation and thunderstorms predicted during game time. Temperatures will hover around 31°C, and high humidity levels (around 76%) could test the players’ stamina and fitness.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Richa Ghosh, Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Harleen Deol, Sune Luus, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Annerie Dercksen, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Match details:
Date: May 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM IST
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Broadcast: Live coverage in India via FanCode; international viewers can tune in on the Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel.
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