In a career defined by grit, resilience, and an unwavering spirit behind the stumps, South Africa’s experienced wicket-keeper batter Sinalo Jafta now marked a remarkable personal milestone, her 100th international appearance for the Proteas.
The 30-year-old achieved the landmark during the 3rd ODI of the three-match ODI series against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. While South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, sealed the series, taking a 2-0 lead after an 8-wicket win in the series opener, followed by another comprehensive 25-run win in the 2nd game, the spotlight shifted on Jafta as she etched her name into the elite bracket of triple-digit appearances just ahead of the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Sinalo Jafta began her international journey in October 2016, when she made her ODI debut against New Zealand at Paarl. Over the years, she has featured in 41 ODIs, often playing the quiet yet crucial role of a reliable glovewoman in South Africa’s setup. With the bat, she has accumulated 202 runs in 25 innings at a strike rate of 56.58 and an average of 11.22, highlighted by her best score of 28 not out.
Where Jafta’s services have been most invaluable is behind the stumps; she has bagged 38 catches and 2 stumpings in ODIs, providing consistency and discipline in the wicket-keeper’s role. With South Africa’s eyes firmly set on the upcoming World Cup, Jafta’s presence offers her side not just experience but also a calming influence in pressure situations.
Jafta entered the T20I fold a little later, making her debut on 15th May 2019 against Pakistan at Pretoria. Since then, she has represented South Africa in 55 T20Is, contributing as both a batter and keeper. Her batting returns stand at 138 runs from 19 innings at an impressive strike rate of 131.42 and an average of 15.33, with a top score of 17 not out.
Yet again, her true value lies behind the stumps, where her alert glovework has resulted in a tally of 27 catches and 9 stumpings in the game’s shortest format. In frequent high stakes matches, her sharpness and reflexes have impressed, particularly against quality spin and pace attacks.
Jafta’s foray into red-ball cricket came in June 2022 against England at Taunton, where she made her Test debut. Though South Africa’s women take the field in Tests sparingly, Jafta has already appeared in 4 matches, contributing 36 runs in 7 innings at an average of 5.14, with the highest score of 15.
Her primary impact in Tests, much like in the shorter formats, has been from behind the stumps with five catches to her name, in a format where neatness and patience under testing conditions define her presence. While batting opportunities in the format remain limited, her adaptability reflects the completeness of her journey across formats.
For Jafta, this milestone of 100 appearances arrives at a pivotal moment, with South Africa building momentum toward the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. The Proteas begin their campaign on 3rd October against England at Guwahati in what promises to be one of the marquee clashes of the opening week.
As Laura Wolvaardt’s side seeks to break their long-standing dream barrier of lifting a World Cup trophy, experienced squad members like Jafta lend the perfect blend of stability and know-how.
Loves all things female cricket