Laura Wolvaardt is ready to step into her biggest challenge yet, leading South Africa at the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. The Proteas come into the tournament as one of the strong contenders, looking to finally claim their first-ever World Cup trophy.
They open their campaign against England on October 3 in Guwahati, and the team will be banking on its mix of experience and exciting young talent to shine on the big stage.
Quick look at the Proteas
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Captain: Laura Wolvaardt
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Coach: Mandla Mashimbyi
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Best World Cup finish: Semifinals in 2000, 2017, and 2022
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ICC ODI Ranking: 5th
South Africa Women’s Squad for World Cup 2025
Squad: 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.
Reserve: Maine Smit
Strengths of South Africa Women’s Squad for World Cup 2025
South Africa enters this World Cup with momentum on its side. Having reached the semifinals in back-to-back editions, the Proteas have proven they belong among the best. At the heart of their batting is the powerful opening duo of Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits. Since the last World Cup, they’ve piled on more than 1,500 runs together in just 26 matches, making them the most prolific opening pair in ODIs. Their starts could set the tone for the entire campaign.
Experience is another big plus. Ten of the 15 players were part of the last World Cup squad, giving South Africa much-needed stability. Marizanne Kapp continues to be the glue in the all-round department, supported by seasoned campaigners Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon, while young guns like Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Annerie Dercksen, and Anneke Bosch bring energy and fearlessness.
The spin attack also looks promising. Nonkululeko Mlaba will be key on India’s turning tracks, with Luus, Tryon, and Shangase offering backup and variety.
Weaknesses of South Africa Women’s Squad for World Cup 2025
One concern is the heavy dependence on Wolvaardt and Brits at the top. If the openers fall early, the middle order has a habit of collapsing, especially when chasing or playing on spin-friendly pitches. The retirement of legends like Mignon du Preez, Lizelle Lee, and Dane van Niekerk has left a gap in terms of experience and stability in crunch situations.
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Bowling is another area to watch. With Shabnim Ismail retiring in 2023, South Africa no longer has its strike fast bowler. While Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas bring plenty of experience, they don’t quite offer the same wicket-taking threat that Ismail once did.
Opportunities for South Africa Women’s Squad for World Cup 2025
Despite these challenges, there’s plenty of room for optimism. South Africa’s spirited run at the 2024 T20 World Cup showed they can go toe-to-toe with the world’s best. That experience of handling knockout pressure might come in handy this time around.
The conditions in India could also play to their strengths. Mlaba’s spin, backed by Kapp’s control and the versatility of the all-rounders, makes them well-suited to subcontinental pitches. If younger players like de Klerk, Shangase, and Bosch step up, South Africa could transform into a much more rounded unit, moving away from the “two-batter reliance” tag.
Threats to South Africa Women’s Squad for World Cup 2025
The Proteas’ inconsistency during the 2022-25 ICC Championship cycle is a worrying sign. With 12 wins and 11 losses, they’ve shown they can be vulnerable against top teams. Heavy defeats to India and England in that period also highlight how quickly things can unravel under pressure.
Replacing Ismail’s wicket-taking edge remains the biggest challenge. On flat Indian pitches, if South Africa struggles to break partnerships, stronger batting lineups could overpower them.
Prediction
This South African side has all the makings of another deep run. If Wolvaardt’s leadership brings stability in the batting and if the bowlers can deliver in the big moments, the Proteas might finally break through and push for their maiden World Cup crown.
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