As South Africa steps out for their second match in the 13th ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 against New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, wicket-keeper batter and experienced campaigner Sinalo Jafta steps forward with a determined mindset after a harsh start to the tournament.
Bundled out for just 69 runs in their opener against England at Guwahati, South Africa faced a crushing 10-wicket defeat. Despite the setback, Jafta, who top-scored with 22 runs off 36 balls, emphasised in the pre-match press conference the need for focus and resilience across their long campaign stretching from India to Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on what went wrong in the opener, Jafta acknowledged the quality and plans of their English opponents but pointed out a lack of composure and presence in the moment from the South African batting unit.
“I think we were a bit rushed. I don’t think I was really present in that delivery, I went out,” she honestly remarked. Yet, she and the team are determined not to dwell on the defeat but to take lessons forward, viewing the tournament as a marathon where one poor performance will not define their efforts.
With New Zealand also reeling from a heavy loss against Australia, Jafta highlighted the importance of discipline, especially for their bowling unit, which must tackle renowned players like Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr.
She stressed the challenge of facing such a talented side but also the advantage South Africa holds in being well-accustomed to subcontinental conditions through recent tours in Sri Lanka and Pakistan. “We’ve probably faced all of these deliveries in net sessions; now we’re just going into the game and just executing well,” she noted.
Jafta also expressed her confidence in the freshness and fitness of the squad arriving in Indore for training, with full backing from the experienced coaching staff who have guided them well over recent years. Acknowledging their recent struggles against New Zealand, she kept perspective.
“Cricket is a game where you wake up and you have another day,” emphasising discipline and taking the game one ball at a time as South Africa seeks to turn the page quickly after their difficult start. With key batsmen Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt ready to lead the charge, South Africa looks to regroup and put in a spirited performance to get their first points of the tournament.
This encounter at a vibrant Holkar Stadium promises intensity and determination from a South African team hungry to redeem themselves and rewrite their tournament narrative. Sinalo Jafta’s steadiness and veteran insight will be pivotal in this quest against a strong New Zealand side led by the ever-dynamic Sophie Devine.
The battle between these two well-matched teams in the second game of their campaign in the ongoing 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is poised to be a compelling test of skill, nerve, and teamwork.
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