Submitted by Amith Chakrapani on

India-W hope to keep winning streak alive as South Africa-W pose stern threat

09 Oct, 2025
Editor
India-W hope to keep winning streak alive as South Africa-W pose stern threat
09 Oct, 2025 By Editor

The Indian women’s cricket team have been off to a rollicking start in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup as they have already registered two wins from their first two games. Obliterating their continental counterparts, India sit comfortably in the third position of the points table with four points in their kitty. Australia and England lead the charts with five and four points respectively.

India managed to post a solid batting display in the tournament opener while conjuring a decent show in the second contest as well against Pakistan. However, it is India’s bowling unit that has been hogging the limelight for all the right reasons. Deepti Sharma was the pick of the lot in the curtain-raiser while Kranti Goud stole the show in the following battle. However, they will be up against their most difficult challenge as an in-form South African batting unit will be taking the yard.

South Africa have registered one win from their first two games. The first match saw them crumble in front of England like a house of cards but the following game saw the Proteas unleashing the inner beasts as they chronicled a solid chase against New Zealand. Tazmin Brits led the charge with an excellent 101 while Sune Luus conjured an unbeaten 83. Apart from their batting flair, their bowling unit also rode high on the shoulders of Nonkululeko Mlaba to outmuscle the White Ferns.

Two teams in fine touch and in great momentum will be hoping to dish out a solid show. There is enough firepower in both the squads that can come up with a sensational run-fest, featuring the bests of the world. With that being said, both India and South Africa have got a fine bowling unit which might be raring to hit the battlefield too.

Venue Watch:

The surface in Visakhapatnam has mostly been a batting friendly wicket. However, as the game progresses, spin tends to play a decisive factor. Despite the spinners getting a nod, the surface has decent carry and stays true until the end which can signify an imminent run-fest to follow.

X-Factors:

• Pratika Rawal – Rawal continues to be clinical with her approach. Despite not firing big in the first two games, her innings had all the signs of what can potentially be a game-defining knock against the Proteas.

• Kranti Goud – The Indian medium pacer proved to be a key architect in India’s bowling unit in the last game. She can come up with decent pace and fine drift, especially with the new ball in her hand. She houses the potential of dealing significant haymakers in the powerplay itself.

Match details:

Match - India vs South Africa, ICC Women's ODI World Cup

Venue – ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam

Date – 9th October, 2025

Time - 3:00 PM

Head-to-head:

Matches played - 33

India - 20

South Africa - 12

Squads:

India:

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Uma Chetry, Shree Charani

South Africa:

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