The twenty-second clash of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 promises an enthralling showdown as South Africa Women lock horns with Pakistan Women on October 21st at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The contest begins at 3:00 PM IST, setting the stage for a gripping battle between South Africa’s calculated composure and Pakistan’s determined resilience under the humid Colombo skies.
Pakistan have shown flashes of promise amid inconsistency. Their batting faltered at key moments — dismissed for 129 against Bangladesh and 159 versus India despite disciplined bowling efforts. Against Australia, they fought hard but fell short by 107 runs, underlining their struggle for sustained partnerships. Their clash against England looked poised for victory before rain forced an unfortunate abandonment, and their latest fixture versus New Zealand was also washed out. Pakistan now seeks stability and a statement performance against a resurgent South Africa.
On the other hand, South Africa’s campaign began on a disastrous note against England — bowled out for just 69 and beaten by 10 wickets. However, they bounced back strongly with a convincing six-wicket win over New Zealand, followed by a nail-biting victory against India sealed in the final over. Further triumphs against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka — including a commanding 10-wicket win — have showcased Laura Wolvaardt’s side as one of the most in-form teams of the tournament.
Squads:
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Fatima Sana (C), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (VC), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase
Players to watch out:
Fatima Sana
The captain and all-rounder continues to lead from the front. Across 54 ODIs, Fatima has claimed 72 wickets and scored 630 runs, often stepping up when it matters most. After a quiet home series against South Africa, she regained rhythm in the warm-ups with 64 runs and 1/30 against the same opponents. Her 9 wickets in 4 World Cup matches — including a superb 4/27 versus England — underline her match-winning potential.
Diana Baig
Pakistan’s standout performer with the ball, Diana Baig’s consistency has been impressive. Her 8-over spell conceding just 14 runs against Bangladesh set the tone early, followed by 4/69 versus India, 1/74 against Australia, and 1/25 against England. With 63 wickets in 69 ODIs (best: 4/30), her ability to maintain tight lines and contribute down the order adds vital depth to Pakistan’s setup.
Tazmin Brits
After a patchy start, Tazmin Brits remains a pillar of reliability in South Africa’s top order. Her last five innings feature a sparkling century (101) amidst inconsistent scores of 5, 0, and 0 — evidence of both her power and perseverance. A composed unbeaten 55 against Sri Lanka marked her return to form. With 1,580 runs in 44 ODIs, Brits blends patience with precision, anchoring innings with calm authority.
Masabata Klaas
Although Klaas went wicketless in her early outings this tournament, her accuracy and economy have been invaluable. Her steady spells — 0/18, 0/36, and 0/22 — highlight her control even without breakthroughs. A timely return to form came with 2/18 against Sri Lanka. With 83 wickets in 86 ODIs (best: 4/25), Klaas remains crucial to South Africa’s balance, often dictating momentum in the middle overs.
Pitch:
The R. Premadasa surface offers an ideal blend for both batters and bowlers. Early movement and bounce reward disciplined seamers, while the surface tends to slow down as the match progresses, bringing spinners into play. With an average first-innings total of around 288, batters who apply themselves can score freely, though chasing under lights often becomes the preferred choice given the dew factor and predictable conditions later on.
Weather:
Rain continues to loom over Colombo, with showers expected throughout the day. Temperatures will hover near 27°C, accompanied by 83% humidity and a 14 kph breeze, potentially aiding early swing. With a 70% chance of rain, brief interruptions remain possible.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Fatima Sana, Sidra Amin, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu
Match Details:
Date – October 21, 2025
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Broadcast – Live on Star Sports Network | Streaming on JioCinema
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