The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 warm-up match between Pakistan Women and South Africa Women at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground is set to be a keenly contested fixture. Both teams will use this game to sharpen their skills and test squad combinations ahead of the main tournament. Playing in familiar conditions, the match offers both sides a vital opportunity for acclimatization and strategy fine-tuning.
Pakistan Women come into this warm-up looking to build on recent competitive outings against strong oppositions. Their batting has shown promise with key players like Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali bringing experience and stability. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Diana Baig and Nashra Sandhu, will aim to contain the South African batters who boast a strong lineup. This match will be critical for Pakistan to assess their readiness for the high-stakes tournament ahead.
South Africa Women, fresh from a series in Pakistan where they showed glimpses of their all-round strength, will test their depth against a tough Pakistani side. With batters like Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits in form, South Africa’s challenge will be to maintain consistency while their bowlers focus on execution in varied conditions. The warm-up fixture represents a key step in their preparation to reclaim World Cup glory and adapt tactics suited for Sri Lankan pitches.
Squads:
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Aliya Riaz, Eyman Fatima, Natalia Pervaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Fatima Sana, Omaima Sohail, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Nawaz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Syeda Aroob Shah
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Anneke Bosch, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine De Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune
Players to watch out for:
Aliya Riaz
Aliya Riaz has played 75 WODIs, scoring 1,574 runs with an average of 26.67 and a strike rate of 66.72. She has a top score of 81 and has hit 10 half-centuries but no centuries yet. As a right-arm medium bowler, she has taken 12 wickets with best figures of 2/24. Riaz is known for her middle-order power-hitting and useful medium-pace bowling, providing balance to the Pakistan women’s team. She will be a key player for Pakistan going into the tournament.
Diana Baig
Diana Baig has played 65 WODIs, taking 56 wickets with a bowling average of 37.78 and best figures of 4/30. She bowls right-arm medium pace and is known for disciplined bowling and late movement. Batting in the lower order, Baig has scored 286 runs with the highest score of 35 not out. In 2025, Baig has played a few matches, continuing to contribute primarily with the ball and will be the main bowler for Pakistan heading into the tournament.
Laura Wolvaardt
Laura Wolvaardt is a leading South African WODI batter with 110 matches and 4,651 runs at an outstanding average of 48.65. She has scored 9 centuries and 35 half-centuries with the highest score of 184 not out, showcasing her consistent ability to play big innings. Wolvaardt is right-handed and serves as a key opener for South Africa, known for stylish and technically sound batting.
Marizanne Kapp
Marizanne Kapp is a leading South African all-rounder with major contributions in both batting and bowling in ODIs. In 153 ODIs, she has scored 3303 runs at a batting average of about 35.51, including 4 centuries and 15 half-centuries, with the highest score of unbeaten 121. With the ball, she has taken 169 wickets at an average of 24.52 and an economy rate of 3.8. Her best bowling figures in an ODI innings are 5/45. Kapp is renowned for her balance as a genuine all-rounder, making her one of South Africa’s most valuable players.
Pitch:
The pitch at Colombo Cricket Club Ground in Colombo is typically known for its dry surface, which tends to assist spin bowlers as matches progress. Early on, the pitch can offer a bit of pace and carry for seamers, but it generally flattens out and becomes very batter-friendly, also bringing spinners into play.
Weather:
Colombo tomorrow will be warm and partly cloudy with periods of sunshine. Temperatures are expected around 29°C to 31°C with high humidity near 80%. There is a chance of isolated showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Aliya Riaz, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Fatima Sana, Diana Baig, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine De Klerk, Masabata Klaas
Match Details:
Date – September 28, 2025
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Colombo Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Broadcast – TBC
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