India justified their ranking as hot favourites when they crushed Sri Lanka by 97 runs in the Servo Cup final of the women’s Tri-Series at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.

The tournament, also involving South Africa, was part of the build-up to the women’s ODI World Cup in India in five months’ time.

India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, said: “I’m proud of the entire team, they really played good cricket. I’m particularly happy with the way we batted today. The need to improve never stops though. The way the other batters performed, apart from Smriti (Mandhana) and me, was a big positive, as was Sneh Rana’s performance with the ball. There are a lot of positives to talk about but I just want to enjoy the moment right now.”

The Indian women outplayed the hosts in all departments on yet another steaming hot day in Colombo. Winning the toss and batting first, India compiled 342 for seven wickets, the biggest total in ODIs between the countries and the first time that the 300 mark had been breached. This was largely due to a superb century from player of the match Smriti Mandhana and some useful contributions from their power-hitting middle-order.

Mandhana was dropped on 21 and two other catches went down in a ragged performance in the outfield by the hosts, a problem that has persisted throughout the tournament.

In reply to India’s intimidating total, Sri Lanka got off to a poor start when opener Hasini Perera was bowled by Amanjot Kaur with the third ball of the innings. Vishmi Gunaratne and skipper Chamari Attapaththu added 68 off 80 balls for the second wicket to rebuild the innings before Gunaratne was bowled round her legs by Kaur, falling for 36. There were then two consecutive fifty partnerships between Athapaththu and Nilakshika Silva and then Silva and Harshita Samarawickrama, but both were nipped in the bud when they were looking to flourish.

Attapaththu, in particular, was a key wicket for the Indians as she went down the pitch to offspinner Sneh Rana but only succeeded in yorking herself. She was the top run-scorer for Sri Lanka with 51 in 66 balls but her innings was simply not enough, or fast enough, to give her team any hope of victory.

With an Indian victory assured in the last 10 overs, Anushka Sanjeewani and Sugandika Kumari got in some useful batting practice without suggesting that victory was a possibility as the Sri Lankan innings folded for 245 in 48.2 overs.

Player of the series Rana was once again excellent for India with 4/38 in 9.2 overs, finishing as the top wicket-taker with 15 scalps. South Africa’s Annerie Dercksen was the leading run-scorer with 276 runs.

Earlier, elegant left-hander Mandhana, a woman’s version of Sourav Ganguly, struck 15 fours and two sixes in her innings. A feature was her elegant drives on both sides of the wicket, whether lofted or along the ground.

India, having won the toss and opted to bat first on a slowish but otherwise excellent pitch for batting, made a solidly conservative start with Mandhana and Pratika Rawal (30 in 49 balls) compiling 70 in the 15th over before Rawal chipped Inoka Ranaweera to mid-on where Piumi Wathsala made amends for earlier dropping Mandhana, diving forward to complete the catch.

Mandhana was then joined by Harleen Deol. While Deol began slowly, Mandhana unfurled a lovely array of strokes to dominate their second-wicket partnership of 120 in 106 balls.

The left-hander went to her century in spectacular fashion, sweeping three consecutive fours off Athapaththu in the 31st over. She didn’t last much longer, spooning a drive to point off Dewmi Vihanga who had impressed earlier in the tournament with a five-wicket haul against South Africa. This time she also collected wickets but her 2/69 was expensive.

Deol then chipped a return catch to Vihanga to depart for a solid 47 in 56 balls, but skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues both played aggressively, striking 41 in 30 balls and 44 in 29 balls respectively to take India past 300. Amanjot Kaur (18 in 12 balls) and Deepti Sharma (20* in 14 balls) maintained the momentum to ensure that India reached a commanding total.

SRI LANKA: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Hasini Perera, Harshita Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Piumi Wathsala, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Dewmi Vihanga, Malki Madara, Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera

INDIA: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemima Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Shree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Kranti Goud

Player of the match Chloe Tryon claimed a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul as well as striking a sizzling half-century to lead South Africa to a 76-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final match in the women’s tri-nations series at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday.

Annerie Dercksen struck a superb maiden ODI century to also help South Africa’s cause in what was their first win in the tournament. Though they will travel back home on a high, Sunday’s final will be contested by India and the host nation.

“It was nice to get that last win,” commented SA skipper Laura Wolvaardt, “and everyone played so well. It doesn’t happen that we score 300 twice in a row, so we’re definitely doing something right with the bat. Dercksen is having a breakthrough season and it’s great to see the youngsters turning up as well.”

Left-arm spinner Tyron struck in the 42nd over with the match seemingly in the balance to dismiss Dewmi Vihanga, brilliantly caught by a diving Nadine de Klerk at deep square-leg, Sugandika Kumari (also caught by De Klerk) and Malki Madara (caught by wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta) with consecutive deliveries. From 227 for six, Sri Lanka’s race was suddenly run as they finished on 239 all out in 42.5 overs.

The hosts had been chasing South Africa’s total of 315 for nine, a formidable total thanks largely to Dercksen’s century and Tyron’s 74. The pair had put on 112 in 88 balls for the seventh wicket after South Africa had slumped to 85 for five and 127 for six.

Sri Lanka had begun their run chase well enough with openers Hasini Perera and Vishmi Gunaratne compiling 52 in 9.2 overs for the first wicket before Tyron struck to dismiss both batters. First Perera was well caught on the midwicket boundary by Dercksen then Gunaratne thick-edged an attempted drive to Laura Goodall at backward point.

Harshita Samarawickrama (33) and skipper Chamari Athapaththu (52) kept Sri Lanka in the hunt with a half-century partnership but both departed prematurely when at least one of them needed to go big. Samarawickrama became debutant legspinner Seshnie Naidu’s first ODI wicket when she drove her tamely to mid-off while Athapaththu sliced Ayabonga Khaka to Dercksen on the cover boundary.

South Africa collected wickets at regular intervals after that and Sri Lanka’s required run-rate approached 10 an over with 10 overs to go. Tyron’s hat-trick then ensured victory.

Earlier, after Sri Lanka had inserted South Africa on another steaming hot day after they had won the toss and looked to chase.

Dercksen and Tryon’s partnership came at the perfect time after their middle-order collapsed following a solid opening partnership between Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits. This was largely due to a devastating first spell from offspinner Vihanga who claimed 5/13 in her first five overs playing just her third ODI for her country. She finished with 5/43 off nine overs.

Well though Vihanga bowled, South Africa would have been disappointed to give away a number of soft dismissals in the top half of their innings after Wolvaardt (captaining the team again after missing the match against India because of food poisoning) and Brits gave them a solid start.

The pair put on 53 in the first power play and 68 by the 14th over before Vihanga struck, finding the edge of Brits’ bat as she pushed forward, offering a low chance to Perera at slip. Brits struck five fours in her 38.

In her next over, Vihanga claimed the vital wicket of Wolvaardt, bowled through a wide gate for 33 in 39 balls.

Lara Goodall (2) and Miane Smit (8) both fell quickly, with the former caught at slip and the latter falling to a slog-sweep straight to midwicket. And when Sinalo Jafta missed an ugly slog to be bowled second ball, South Africa were in trouble. Quite why Jafta batted ahead of Dercksen and Tryon was a mystery. The wicketkeeper has played in 35 ODIs and averages just 11.7. Talented youngster Karabo Meso took her place at the start of the tournament, but was only given two matches.

Nondumiso Shangase got a start (18 in 34 balls) before falling leg before to Athapaththu to leave South Africa teetering on 127 for six.

It was then that Dercksen and Tryon turned the innings around with a hugely impressive century stand. Tryon initially took a back seat as Dercksen, showing good power, technique and temperament, attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers.

The 24-year-old from Beaufort West has been the star turn for the South Africans in this tournament, scoring 30, 61* and 81 before reaching three figures today. In all she struck nine fours and five sixes – the last of which enabled her to reach her century – before she fell bravely in the 44th over, holing out at long-off, largely through exhaustion it appeared.

If Dercksen dominated the partnership with Tryon, scoring 77 to Tryon’s 30, the latter immediately put her foot down after Dercksen’s dismissal, accelerating to reach 74 in 51 balls (4x4s, 5x6s) as she and Nadine de Klerk (32* in 19 balls) blasted 66 off 30 balls for the eighth wicket to take South Africa past 300.

Sri Lanka’s woes were partly of their own making as they dropped a number of crucial catches. Dercksen was dropped twice and two other catches went down.

South Africa: Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Laura Goodall, Miane Smit, Nondumiso Shangase, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Seshnie Naidu, Ayabonga Khaka

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (capt.), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Manudi Nanayakkar, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Dewmini Vihanga, Malki Madara, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Fernando.

Proteas Women wicketkeeper batter Sinalo Jafta believes the team has grown throughout the tour to the subcontinent as they prepare for their fourth and final match in the one-day international (ODI) Tri-Series against the hosts Sri Lanka in Colombo on Friday.

The last round-robin clash will get under way at 10am local time (6:30am SAST) from the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium and will be streamed live via Sri Lanka Cricket’s YouTube page.

In the previous outing, South Africa suffered their third consecutive defeat in the series, going down by 23 runs to India in a high-scoring contest.

The match featured a fighting half-century from Chloé Tryon (67) and a career-best 81 from Annerie Dercksen.

Despite the losses, Jafta praised the team’s resilience and development in challenging subcontinent conditions.

She believes these experiences will serve the squad well as they build towards the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup later this year in India.

"We actually came in with about six players under the pump, and I think just the character that everyone showed, I'm sure everyone picked up,” Jafta said in reflection of the defeat against India.

“Yes, we didn't get the W, but a lot of boxes are actually ticked. If you don't look at the result, but look at why we came here, you could get on the flight going back home, at peace. It's all about the journey.

"Going into India (World Cup), I'm not worried because I know we're a team that knows how to pick up their hands at the right time. So, going into India, we'll definitely be prepped,” she added

Working hard ahead of our final encounter in the Tri-Nations Series against Sri Lanka 🏆🔥.

The pride of our country is the balanced driving force behind the determination to finish on a high note 🏏🇿🇦.#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/184oBoHZxF

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) May 8, 2025

STILL READY TO GIVE IT ALL

On ending the series with pride, Jafta said: “Tomorrow we're going to go out there, give it everything that we have. Coach is always like if everyone does their job 100 per cent, the result tends to take care of itself,” she added.

Among the wicketkeeping unit on this tour is promising youngster Karabo Meso, who made her ODI debut in the opening match.

Addressing the narrative of internal competition, Jafta clarified her perspective and role during Meso’s maiden series for South Africa.

"I never see it as a competition. I always see it as an opportunity for her to grow, because at the end of the day, we all know she is the future wicketkeeper of this team. I just come in from being a very good supportive role. Domestically, she's done a fantastic job for the Lions. It’s an opportunity well-deserved,” Jafta said.

A positive attitude will be crucial for the Proteas Women ahead of their final match in the Tri-Series.

Known for her vocal presence behind the stumps, Jafta embraces her leadership role in keeping spirits high, especially in challenging moments.

"I've always had a positive approach in whatever situation I find myself. I tend to find that as soon as you go negative, immediately, people around you tend to be negative. So my focus is to just stay positive as long as possible."

Proteas Women Squad – ODI Tri-Series

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

*Uncapped

Fixtures – ODI Tri-Series

Friday, 9 May @ 6:30am SAST – 6th ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 11 May @ 6:30am SAST – Final: India v Sri Lanka (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

South Africa Women's team captain Chloe Tryon said her side's failure to execute the basics well was the reason why they lost their must-win encounter against India Women in their third Servo Cup Women's Tri-Nations Series encounter at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo, on Wednesday.

South Africa succumbed to a 23-run loss to India despite their valiant attempt to chase down 338 runs for victory.

Tryon won the toss and asked India to bat first.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-captained side raced to 337-9 in 50 overs. Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma batted well on their way to milestones.

"I think the year has just begun for me. I just want to keep going. The main target is the World Cup. But yeah, I'm very pleased with the knock today. Even more specially, my parents were here. They were not there when I scored my first international, but they were there when I scored the second, so I'm very happy with that," Rodrigues, who was named the Player of the match for her century, shared.

Rodrigues registered her maiden ODI century in January this year, and this was her second.

She scored a scintillating 123 runs off 101 balls.

Sharma scythed a brilliant 93 off 84. While the pair batted well, they also cashed in on South Africa's erratic bowling and subpar fielding.

"I think we can say as a team, this is probably not the best first half we've had with the ball. Obviously, we got a little bit tight at the stumps, and our fielding wasn't up to standard. It hasn't been up to standard this whole tournament. But yeah, we didn't get it, I think we leaked a lot around the day," Tryon, who was standing in for Laura Wolvaardt as skipper, shared after the match.

Wolvaardt was unable to take part in South Africa's must-win tie because of an injury.

The loss means that South Africa have now been knocked out of the tournament.

India and Sri Lanka will proceed to the final to be played on Sunday, 11 May.

'GO BACK TO THE BASICS'

South Africa still have a chance to earn a consolation win when they face Sri Lanka in their final group match on Friday.

"I think as a bowling unit, we need to go back to the basics. I think we should have beaten the stumps a lot more. So, I think going back to basics will be really important to us for the last game against Sri Lanka," she explained.

South Africa conceded 56 runs in the first 10 overs of the contest and never recovered.

They bowled too short and committed avoidable mistakes in the field. India took advantage of that.

The South Africa captain estimated that they leaked up to 30 or 40 runs in the field.

According to Tryon, they went through the match playing catch-up with the ball and did not put enough pressure on the opposition.

However, despite the disappointing loss, there were some positives for South Africa to take from the match.

Annerie Dercksen has long harboured ambitions to emulate Marizanne Kapp and develop into a world-class allrounder.

The 24-year-old made good on those dreams with a great showing with bat and ball.

Dercksen was one of the most economical bowlers when South Africa had the ball.

She took a single wicket for 36 runs in her six-over quota.

She followed that up with a brilliant 81 off 80 balls as she grabbed South Africa's chase by the scruff of the neck.

Her innings pulled South Africa from the brink and gave them hope.

Dercksen's innings was crucial for South Africa to post a total beyond 300.

South Africa scored 314-7 in a thrilling chase. Dercksen shared a 72-run sixth-wicket stand with Tryon, South Africa's highest partnership in the match.

Tryon kept the flame ablaze after Dercksen's dismissal, but was unable to see her side over the finish line despite her best efforts.

"We (Dercksen and Tryon) didn't think of anything but just hitting the ball and swinging a single ball. We worked in small stages of how to chase the run rate as much as we could. We never gave up to the end. That's what I love about this team. We showed a lot of character. And I think we really showed that," she explained.

South Africa will have an opportunity to put the lessons learnt from this loss to the test when they go up against Sri Lanka on Friday.

Jemimah Rodrigues registered her highest ODI score as she inspired India Women to a 23-run win over South Africa Women in their Servo Cup Women's Tri-Nations Series encounter at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo, on Wednesday.

The toss went Chloe Tryon's way, and the South African captain elected to bowl first.

The plan was to restrict India to a manageable total, however, India had other ideas and scored a mammoth 337-9.

South Africa battled to 314-7 in their chase.

India with a clinical win over South Africa to secure their place in the tri-series final 👌#SAvIND 📝: https://t.co/Qymb9EDfBX pic.twitter.com/EOuthJCoZK

— ICC (@ICC) May 7, 2025

The result means that South Africa have now been knocked out of the tournament, and India will square off with Sri Lanka in the final.

South Africa still have one more match to go, which is now a dead rubber against Sri Lanka on Friday.

India's victory was built on the back of a sensational century by Jemimah Rodrigues.

The 24-year-old scythed 15 fours and a single six on her way to 123 from 101 deliveries. T

his is her highest score in ODIs. Her previous best was 102, which came against Ireland in January this year.

She faced 89 balls to reach her second ODI century.

Jemimah Rodrigues wins the Player of the Match Award! 🙌 🙌#TeamIndia beat South Africa by 23 runs and seal a place in the #WomensTriNationSeries2025 Final! 👏👏

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/V5htnun1j2#INDvSA | @JemiRodrigues pic.twitter.com/mYgza8Olsk

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) May 7, 2025

Rodrigues scored around the wicket in her fluent knock. The middle-order batter swept prodigiously, and most of her boundaries against the spinners were from the shot.

Fittingly, Rodrigues unfurled the sweep for a single to register the milestone.

Her impressive innings ended when she tried to hoick a slower-ball from Masabata Klaas to the boundary.

She didn't time it well and top-edged it to Sune Luus stationed at point.

Deepti Sharma, with whom Rodrigues shared an industrious 122-run fifth-wicket partnership, put on a show in her 84-ball stay in the middle.

She raced to a new career-best ODI score of 93 in an innings that featured 10 fours and two sixes.

The pair tore South Africa's bowling apart and appeared to have been batting on a different surface.

DERCKSEN'S VALIANT INNINGS IN VAIN

Their innings erected a monumental mountain to scale for South Africa.

Annerie Dercksen put her best foot forward as she battled to keep South Africa in the contest.

However, she lacked the fluency shown by Rodrigues and Sharma.

The 24-year-old allrounder scored a valiant 81 off 80 balls.

This is her second ODI half-century and she faced 54 balls to reach the milestone. This is her highest score in the format.

Dercksen's innings stood out in a batting line-up that offered little support.

Despite that, Dercksen batted through cramps in the hope of salvaging the contest. However, her effort was in vain.

South Africa needed one of their top three batters to play the role Smriti Mandhana fulfilled for India. 

The opener held India's innings together with a well-paced 51 off 63 balls. The platform she created gave Rodrigues and Sharma a springboard.

In contrast, South Africa's top three scored a few runs slowly.

Their run rate was south of the required run rate for extended periods.

They plodded along at four runs an over in the powerplay, and things didn't improve much afterwards.

They couldn't read the Indian spinners, who spun webs around them. When they got bat on ball, they found fielders instead of gaps.

South Africa's captain, Chloe Tryon, kept fans interested with a brisk 36-ball half-century.

This is her 12th ODI half-century. Tryon carved an outstanding 67 from 43 balls.

Her entertaining knock ended when she was cleaned up by Sharma while looking for a big shot.

Amanjot Kaur was India's most successful bowler with three wickets for 47 runs in eight overs.

Deepti Sharma finished with two wickets for 57 runs in 10 overs. Shree Charani and Pratika Rawal took a wicket each.

Jemimah Rodrigues played a blinder of an innings to register her second ODI century and guide India Women to an imposing 337/9 in their Servo Cup Women's Tri-Nation Series match against South Africa Women at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo, on Wednesday. South Africa needs 338 runs to win.

The toss went South Africa's way, and Chloe Tryon, the South African captain, asked India to bat first. Her new ball bowlers were a trifle expensive, but they took early wickets, which made India wobble. However, things changed after Jemimah Rodrigues arrived at the crease.

Rodrigues smashed 15 fours and a single six on her way to 123 from 101 deliveries. This is her highest score in ODIs. Her previous best was 102, which came against Ireland in January this year. She faced 89 balls to reach her second ODI century.

The 24-year-old played around the wicket in her fluent knock. The middle-order batter swept prodigiously, and most of her boundaries against the spinners were from it. Fittingly, Rodrigues unfurled the sweep for a single to register the milestone.

This is the second time she has passed the 100-run mark this year. It is her second big score against South Africa. Rodrigues' previous best against South Africa was in 2024, when she contributed 55 runs to India's victory over them.

Rodrigues' impressive innings ended when she tried to hoick a slower ball from Masabata Klaas to the boundary. She didn't time it well and top-edged it to Sune Luus, stationed at point. The 24-year-old had stitched an outstanding 122-run fifth-wicket partnership with Deepti Sharma.

"They called her a misfit, dropped her, moved her down —
But today, she rose, wore fire like a crown.
A hundred not just in numbers, but proof she survived —
Jemimah Rodrigues, reborn and alive."❤️🫶🏻pic.twitter.com/TfF1gvNePc

— s. (jemi fan bot) (@daintyydreamer) May 7, 2025

The pair contributed almost the same number of runs to their potentially match-winning stand. Sharma reached her 13th ODI half-century in 62 balls. The 27-year-old, who played second fiddle to Rodrigues' brisk knock, took control of the innings in the last five overs. Sharma scythed South Africa's bowlers on her way to 93 off 84 deliveries. This is her highest ODI score.

Rodrigues and Sharma's partnership succeeded Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana's 88-run fourth-wicket stand that stabilised India's innings. The duo joined forces when India was on 50/3 after a brisk but wicket-filled powerplay. Mandhana came out guns blazing but switched to the anchor role after Rodrigues' arrival. The 28-year-old compiled her 31st ODI half-century in 61 balls.

Sadly, Mandhana couldn't kick on. She fell two balls after reaching her milestone. She tried to launch a Chloe Tryon delivery over the boundary, but holed out to Nadine de Klerk at deep mid-wicket.

Mandhana and Rodrigues' partnership came at a crucial moment. India hadn't started particularly well, they lost three wickets in the powerplay. India was on 50/3 after 6.6 overs, with Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, and Harmanpreet Kaur back in the hutch.

South Africa did not help their cause with subpar fielding in moments. Their bowling attack also failed to consistently hit good areas with the ball. They offered numerous boundary balls, and India's batters cashed in.

Nadine de Klerk was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa. She took two wickets for 54 runs in nine overs. Masabata Klaas and Nonkululeko Mlaba also bagged s brace of wickets each, but were more expensive than the pacer. Chloe Tryon and Annerie Dercksen finished with a single wicket each.

SOUTH AFRICA: Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Miane Smit, Lara Goodall, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon (capt), Nondumiso Shangase

INDIA: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Shuchi Upadhyay.

Harshita Samarawickrama struck 77 to help Sri Lanka’s women to a comfortable five-wicket victory over South Africa in their Tri-Series ODI clash at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday.

Defeat represented a body blow to the chances of South Africa reaching the final of this competition. At present they bring up the rear of the table after consecutive defeats, against India and Sri Lanka. India have a perfect two from two winning record while the hosts are second on the log. To get into the final, Laura Wolvaardt’s players will have to beat the hosts and India in their remaining matches, a tough ask.

Speaking after the match, Wolvaardt said: “We just didn’t score enough runs. We needed to be braver with the bat for longer periods of time. The pitch started slow and sticky and maybe flattened out later. We also didn’t bowl well enough in the second half. A lot of their runs were scored square of the wicket, and that was not where we wanted to bowl.”

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu was delighted with her team. “We backed our skills and we have an experienced bowling line-up. I am really proud of the team.”

Chasing what appeared to be a difficult target of 236 for victory, the Sri Lankans achieved their fourth-highest successful run chase in ODIs to eventually win with 21 balls in hand. Their effort started poorly, however, when Athapaththu top-edged a pull off pace bowler Masabata Klaas, lofting the ball straight up for wicketkeeper Karabo Meso to complete an easy catch.

That setback might have unnerved Sri Lanka after their collapse against India, but Hasini Perera and Vishmi Gunaratne seemed immediately at ease, batting fluently against a toothless South African attack. The pair added 69 in 76 balls before Gunaratne attempted a reverse sweep against left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba and was adjudged leg before wicket. And when Perera followed shortly after, falling to a low diving catch from Wolvaardt at midwicket, Sri Lanka appeared vulnerable on 90 for three after 18 overs.

But that proved an illusion as Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari came together to effectively take their team to victory. Appearing in no sort of trouble, the pair provided the most secure and fluent batting of the match to add 128 in 152 balls for the fourth wicket, a record for Sri Lanka in women’s ODIs.

They were set to take their team home but both fell just short of victory: Dilhari caught at cover off Malaba for 61 (75 balls, 6x4s, 1x6) and Samarawickrama caught off Nadine de Klerk for 77 (93 balls, 8x4s). Not that it mattered for the delighted home team and their staff as they celebrated victory with plenty to spare.

For South Africa, the uneven performance of their bowlers, ineffective on this pitch, will be a concern. They will also be concerned about Meso being unable to complete the match because of a heat-related illness and Sune Luus who had to be helped from the field after jarring a knee when diving to save runs in the outfield.

Mlaba was the most successful bowler with 2-44 off her 10 overs with Luus, Klaas and De Klerk collecting one each. But in general the South African attack lacked penetration.

HALF-CENTURY FOR DERCKSEN

Earlier, an excellent maiden half-century by Annerie Dercksen enabled South Africa to reach 235 for nine in their innings after they had lost the toss and been put into bat on a slow, two-paced pitch that made fluent strokeplay difficult.

South Africa had a poor start, losing both their openers in the first power play. Following her century against India, Tazmin Brits was bowled by left-arm spinner Sugandika Kumari’s arm ball for 14 and Wolvaardt was castled by a brilliant leg-cutter by Sri Lanka’s only pace bowler, Malki Madara, who went on to complete the excellent figures of 4/50 after capturing two wickets in her final over.

With their two most successful batters back in the hut, South Africa were under pressure on a sticky pitch – the same used in the SA v India game. That pressure only intensified when youngster Meso, batting at four, struggled to get the ball away and was caught in the covers for nine in 27 balls offspinner Inoka Ranaweera

At 59 for three in the 17th over, Lara Goodall and Luus were forced to rebuild the innings. The pair started conservatively, but played with increasing freedom to add 54 in 61 balls before Goodall was caught on the long-on boundary after scoring 46 in 63 balls, including five fours. She was debutant spinner Dewmi Vihanga’s first wicket and Luus (31) became her second shortly afterwards as she glanced a delivery onto her stumps. Vihanga finished with 3-41 in her 10 overs, a fine start to her international career.

The key partnership then began, with South Africa struggling on 120 for five in the 29th over. Chloe Tryon and Dercksen – who impressed with a brisk 30 in 20 balls against India – both played with pleasing freedom as they added 62 at a run-a-ball for the sixth wicket, taking South Africa to 182 in the 40th over before Tryon was magnificently caught on the long-on boundary by Nilakshika Silva who dived to her left and clutched the ball in her left hand centimetres inside the rope. Tryon departed for an excellent 35 in 40 balls.

Dercksen batted through to the end of the innings, initially helped by Nadine de Klerk (17). She reached her fifty with a superb straight drive for six off Kumari in the 48th over and finished with an unbeaten 61 in 60 balls, including four fours and that six, the only maximum of the innings.

Sri Lanka’s fielding was erratic. Although Silva claimed a brilliant catch and Dilhari was a bundle of energy in the field, they put down three chances and some of their ground-fielding was untidy.

SRI LANKA: Chamari Athapaththu (capt.), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Dewmini Vihanga, Malki Madara, Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera.

SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (capt.), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Karabo Meso (wk), Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka

Following a tightly contested defeat against India, the Proteas Women remain optimistic and are focusing on the controllables ahead of their second one-day international (ODI) Tri-Series match against hosts Sri Lanka on Friday.

The encounter will be held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium from 10h00 local time (06h30 SAST) and will be streamed live on Sri Lanka Cricket’s YouTube page.

In their first outing against India, South Africa fell 15 runs short while chasing a target of 277, despite a superb third career century by opening batter Tazmin Brits.

The Proteas Women boast a strong record against Sri Lanka, winning 15 of 23 ODIs. However, in their last meeting in Potchefstroom in April last year, Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Atthapaththu's unbeaten 195 led her team to a six-wicket win, overshadowing Laura Wolvaardt’s career-best 184.

Speaking ahead of the crucial contest against Sri Lanka, allrounder and reigning ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year, Annerie Dercksen, reflected on the narrow loss and shared the mindset within the squad heading into Friday’s fixture.

“I felt like we were in control for majority of that game and we probably lost in small little moments that swung the game away from us.

“One of the only things you can always control is your attitude and your energy. Our fielding coach (Bongani Ndaba) summed it up pretty nicely; there's probably 320 balls bowled with all the wides and stuff in there. We probably made 10 mistakes and we'll be judged on those 10 rather than the 310 other stuff we did well.”

“For us (the aim) will be to be 100 per cent and strive to be better in even those 10 other little moments and then making sure that it's a bit more of a well-rounded performance with the bat, walking it through to the end and get the team over the line,” the 24-year old added.

STANDOUT PERFORMERS

Along with Brits (109 off 107; 13 fours, 3 sixes) and Nonkunkuleko Mlaba (2/55), Dercksen was another standout performer in the first ODI against India. She claimed the important wicket of Smriti Mandhana (36) with the ball before smashing three fours and a six during a career-best 20-ball 30 with the bat.

The Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers star has enjoyed a productive stint in the national setup since making her ODI debut in India last year, earning comparisons to the experienced Proteas allrounder Marizanne Kapp.

Dercksen, however, is quick to dismiss such comparisons, instead emphasising her desire to grow and learn.

“Yeah, I've been compared to Kappie a lot and I'm really not sure why. She's in a class of her own and someone I really look up to and I see it as a big honour.

“I've got four ODI caps, so at the moment I'm looking to learn and experience as much as I possibly can, soaking in all the situations and knowledge from all the players around me,” Dercksen concluded.

PROTEAS WOMEN SQUAD – ODI TRI-SERIES

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), `*Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

*Uncapped

FIXTURES – ODI TRI-SERIES

Friday, 02 May @ 06h30 SAST – 3rd ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 04 May @ 06h30 SAST – 4th ODI: Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Wednesday, 07 May @ 06h30 SAST – 5th ODI: South Africa v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 09 May @ 06h30 SAST – 6th ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 11 May @ 06h30 SAST – Final: 1st Place v 2nd Place (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Tazmin Brits struck a magnificent century in a losing cause as India’s women beat South Africa by 15 runs in a dramatic ODI in scorching heat in the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

India have now won both their matches and top the tri-table with four points. South Africa and Sri Lanka meet for the first time on Thursday in a competition that is part of their buildup for the ICC Women’s World Cup in India in five months’ time.

South Africa’s skipper, Laura Wolvaardt, commented afterwards: “We'd been set up nice and early, but lost our way towards the end. It's unfortunate what happened with Tazmin, but it's really hot, so what can you do? She could barely get up the stairs. She did a good job, it should have been up to the others.”

India’s winning captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, said: "We fielded really well and saved a lot of runs. South Africa were doing well for 25 overs, but then we got that breakthrough. The way we were batting on this pitch we knew we could get close to 270. Maybe 10-15 runs here could have given us a better cushion. When Brits left the field we looked at it as an opportunity. We thought about bowling dot balls, and if we can get wickets in between that would be great."

Chasing a challenging target of 277 for victory, South Africa looked in a commanding position when Brits and Wolvaardt put on 140 for the first wicket.

The pair played perfectly in tandem, with Brits the aggressor and Wolvaardt the glue. But when Wolvaardt was trapped leg before for 43 in the 28th over, the Indian spinners began to apply pressure and South Africa’s problems were compounded when Brits, after reaching her third ODI hundred, was forced to retire hurt with severe cramp in the 33rd over when she had reached 108 in 105 balls in a wonderful knock that included 13 fours and three sixes.

🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨

A tough end to a hard-fought contest.

It is unfortunate that the result did not go our way; however, our Proteas Women showed incredible effort and resilience in testing conditions. 🇿🇦👏🔥#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/SGh4tYScJI

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) April 29, 2025

After her departure, the Indian spinners got on top of the South African batters although Sune Luus (28 in 34 balls), Chloe Tryon (18 in 22 balls) and particularly Annerie Dercksen (30 in 20 balls, including three fours and a six) did their very best to maintain the momentum required for victory.

It all came to a head in the 48th over, with South Africa requiring 25 for victory in the last three overs. It was offspinner Sneh Rana who struck the mortal blows – three wickets in five balls, including that of Brits who returned to the crease – that effectively clinched the contest. Rana, made player of the match, finally finished up with 5-43 in her 10 overs. Fellow spinners Deepti Sharma (1-40) and Shree Charani (1-51) also played important supporting roles.

Earlier, opener Pratika Rawal struck 78 in 91 balls to lead India’s women to a challenging 276 for six wickets after they had won the toss and chosen to bat first.

The South Africans had their moments but ultimately struggled to contain the Indian batters at the top and the bottom of the order, with India scoring 82 in the last 10 overs.

The openers, Rawal and Smriti Mandhana, provided the main building block of the innings with an opening partnership of 83 in 111 balls, with Mandhana (36 in 54 balls) the first to go as she was strangled down the leg side, providing debutant wicketkeeper Karabo Meso with her first international catch.

Building on this start, Rawal and Harleen Deol then added a further 68 in 73 balls for the second wicket with Rawal becoming the fastest woman to 500 runs in women’s ODIs (in eight matches) as she struck her second consecutive half-century (78 off 91 balls, including 7x4s, 1x6) before she was bowled by left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.

Her dismissal signalled a good spell for the South Africans with Mlaba claiming a second wicket in consecutive overs when she yorked Deol.

After losing two wickets for three runs midway through the innings, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the ship while new batter Jemimah Rodrigues built momentum again with a breezy 41 in 32 balls as the pair added 59 in 58 balls. An entertaining cameo of 24 in 14 balls from Richa Ghosh followed while Kaur stayed to the end for a steadying 41 off 48 balls.

The South Africans were sloppy in the field at times, dropping three catches, and they didn’t help their cause by bowling 13 wides. The most successful bowler was Mlaba with 2/55 in her 10 overs.

SOUTH AFRICA WOMEN: Laura Woolvardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Karaba Meso (wk), Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine De Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas

INDIA WOMEN: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Kashvee Gautam, Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani

Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt is upbeat about her side’s chances ahead of their opening match of the one-day international (ODI) Tri-Series against India at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The 50-over contest will get underway at 10h00 local time (06h30 SAST), with the action live on Sri Lanka Cricket’s YouTube page.

Speaking ahead of the clash against India, who will be playing their second match of the series after securing a nine-wicket victory against hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday, Wolvaardt expressed confidence in the Proteas Women’s preparation for the tournament.

"We've had some good prep. We had some camps during the last couple of months where we did scenario-type stuff to replicate the game time that we didn't have. Hopefully, we're able to start tomorrow on the right foot."

“It's been a good few days (in Colombo). We mainly used the time to get used to conditions and the heat, especially. It's been very hot and humid here, a lot different to what we're used to at home, where it's a bit cooler at the moment. The cricket conditions as well, getting used to the ground, and spending some time in the nets has been good, and we are ready to go tomorrow,” the skipper noted.

History and recent ODI results between the Proteas Women and India favour the latter, with a record of 18 wins in 31 matches. Despite this, South Africa head into the encounter with renewed energy as they build towards the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India later this year under new head coach Mandla Mashimbyi.

“It's our first full tour with Coach Mandla. So far, he's been great. He's come with a big presence, already implemented a lot of changes, and does things differently to what we've maybe done in the past. I hope it'll be good for the group going forward.

“For me, I'm just wanting to spend as much time in the middle as I can in the subcontinent before the main event in India. Batting time in the subcontinent is something that you can't really replicate at home, and for the players it will just be about conditions and spending as much time in the middle as we can,” Wolvaardt added.

When asked about the importance of the tour and the tools that the team has to achieve success in the Tri-Series against strong opposition, Wolvaardt highlighted the value of the three-team ODI tournament as well as the bowling options available to her..

"A Tri-series like this is great. It sort of gives a World Cup kind of feel where you have to prep for different teams in the same tournament and hopefully qualify for a final. I think we have a bit of everything with the ball, which is awesome. It's probably the most spinners that I've had in a squad since I've been captain, so I'm quite excited about that."

"A key player may be Nonkululeko Mlaba. I think these conditions will really suit her. She's been getting a lot of spin in the nets, so I think she could be quite a handful.”

Proteas Women Squad – ODI Tri-Series

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), *Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), `*Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

*Uncapped

Fixtures – ODI Tri-Series

Tuesday, 29 April @ 06h30 SAST – 2nd ODI: India v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 02 May @ 06h30 SAST – 3rd ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 04 May @ 06h30 SAST – 4th ODI: Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Wednesday, 07 May @ 06h30 SAST – 5th ODI: South Africa v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 09 May @ 06h30 SAST – 6th ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 11 May @ 06h30 SAST – Final: 1st Place v 2nd Place (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

South Africa’s Women Proteas may have lost their long-term sponsor, Momentum, after a 13-year association which enabled and oversaw the transition from amateur to fully professional but, as the old sporting adage confirms, the show must go on.

A busy year for Laura Wolvaardt’s team concludes with the 50-over World Cup in India in October but the build-up starts this weekend with a Triangular ODI series hosted by Sri Lanka and also including India.

Star allrounder, Marizanne Kapp, has been rested for the tournament which features two group matches between the three teams before concluding with a final between the top two teams which has allowed coach Mandla Mashimbyi to give maiden international call-ups to a trio of new faces.

17-year-old wicketkeeper batter, Karabo Meso, is joined by spin bowling allrounders and fellow ODI first-timers Seshnie Naidu and Miane Smit. Seamer Ayanda Hlubi, ‘keeper Mieke de Ridder and batter Lara Goodall have been omitted from the last squad. The invaliable Kapp, meanwhile, is “…continuing her conditioning block in preparation for subsequent tours and the World Cup,” according to a CSA statement.

Legspinner Naidu and Meso both played in the Under-19 T20 World Cup in which South Africa lost to India in the final and have five full T20I caps between them while offspinner Smit was a travelling reserve at the T20 World Cup in the UAE last year.

“It’s a very good squad," head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said. "The mixture of youth and experience helps. It's an opportunity for these girls to show what they can do. Hopefully, whatever we've covered at the camp can be applied in Sri Lanka when we take the field.

"It's an opportunity for us to give Karabo, Miane and Seshnie an opportunity and exposure at this level. Going forward and for the bigger picture, it's important that we expose them as much as possible to international cricket,” Mashimbyi said.

“This tour is an opportunity for us to check where the team is at. It's a work in progress. We want to get to a point where when we get to India in September we are where we need to be as a team. But from a skill point of view, there's still a bit of work to do, and that's what we're busy with at the moment.”

India have never lost a series in Sri Lanka while the hosts, as reigning Asia Cup champions, will be formidable opponents on home soil.

All the matches will be played at the R.Premadasa stadium in Colombo.

SA SQUAD: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Seshnie Naidu, Laura Goodall, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Miane Smit, Nondumiso Shangase, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta, Tazmin Brits, Karabo Meso, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko

SCHEDULE:

APRIL

27 – Sri Lanka v India

29 – South Africa v India

MAY

1 – South Africa v Sri Lanka

4 – Sri Lanka v India

7 – South Africa v India

9 – South Africa v Sri Lank

11 – FINAL

As the Proteas Women gear up for the one-day international (ODI) Tri-Series in Sri Lanka later this month, head coach Mandla Mashimbyi has shared insights into the heart of his coaching philosophy, a deliberate and deeply human approach aimed at creating a balanced, resilient, and connected team environment.

Speaking ahead of the tour, Mashymbi detailed his vision of fostering a culture where youthful talent complements seasoned experience, and where developing the person is just as important as developing the cricketer.

“Skill is skill, but when coupled with a good human being, you'll get a lot more out of that player. My coaching philosophy is rooted in growing the human. If that part is nurtured, then the cricketer thrives,” said Mashymbi.

Throughout the weeklong training camp, which took place in Tshwane last week, connecting mindset and execution became a key objective.

What you think versus how you do it was a key theme which echoed throughout all team discussions.

In his short time with the team, Mashymbi has already started building a cultural shift.

One of the key initiatives was introducing personal autobiographies, an exercise designed to help players understand one another beyond cricket.

Proteas Women’s head coach, Mandla Mashimbyi, sheds some light about his coaching philosophy — one rooted in nurturing growth and bringing out the best in his team. 🏏🔥#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/sJRSRPBhAk

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) April 18, 2025

“In teams, we often fall into the trap of thinking we know each other, but knowing someone’s name and role is not knowing their journey. When players understand what others have overcome to get here, they’ll fight harder for one another,” he explained.

MENTORSHIP ROLES

This team-first ethos extends to the way he balances the squad. With experienced leaders like Chloé Tyron playing in her 14th year in the national setup alongside youthful talents like 17-year-old Karabo Meso, Mashymbi sees opportunity, not risk.

“I'm a coach who is youth-mad because of what they bring. They come with no baggage, they come with an open mind to want to have an impact on the environment, which is good,” he noted.

“Youngsters bring energy and fearlessness. They want to learn, they want to contribute. Experience, on the other hand, brings calm, structure and a deep understanding of the game. It’s about marrying the two, and when they work hand in hand, we get the best of both worlds.”

Mashymbi has empowered all senior players to take on mentorship roles, while ensuring the environment is open enough for younger players to voice their ideas and assert their presence.

“Everyone in the team must feel they belong. Once players know their relevance in the space, whether it’s mentoring, energy, or performance, then the team really begins to grow.”

FAITH IN YOUNGSTERS

For Mashymbi, true success lies in the moment players instinctively uphold team values, not because they’ve been told to, but because that’s simply who they are.

Mashymbi has shown faith in young players like Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu and Miané Smit, not just as short-term selections but as long-term investments.

“Karabo has been really good this last year with the bat, and Seshnie brings a different dynamic into the team as a leggy. Miané is somebody who is also promising with the bat. They’ve earned this opportunity with their performances and potential.”

“It’s better to expose them now in a safe environment where they can learn through both failure and success. In a few years, they’ll be major contributors to South African cricket,” he added.

As for the immediate goal ahead of the Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Series, Mashimbyi said, “Right now, it’s all about laying the foundation. When the time is right, we’ll sell the dream. But first, we build, and we build together.”

Proteas Women Squad – ODI Tri-Series

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans) *Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

*Uncapped

Fixtures – ODI Tri-Series

Sunday, 27 April @ 06h30 SAST – 1st ODI – Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Tuesday, 29 April @ 06h30 SAST – 2nd ODI: India v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 2 May @ 06h30 SAST – 3rd ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 4 May @ 06h30 SAST – 4th ODI: Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Wednesday, 7 May @ 06h30 SAST – 5th ODI: South Africa v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 9 May @ 06h30 SAST – 6th ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 11 May @ 06h30 SAST – Final: 1st Place v 2nd Place (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Batting allrounder Anneke Bosch has been ruled out of the Proteas Women’s upcoming one-day international Tri-Series against Sri Lanka and India, taking place from 27 April - 11 May.

The 31-year-old will miss the tour due to illness, and as a precaution, has been replaced by World Sports Betting Western Province batter Lara Goodall in the 15-player squad.

Batting all-rounder Anneke Bosch has been ruled out of the Proteas Women’s upcoming One-Day International Tri-Series against Sri Lanka and India, taking place from 27 April - 11 May.

Bosch will miss the tour due to illness, and as a precaution, has been replaced by World Sports… pic.twitter.com/lSbAPZ91gb

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) April 17, 2025

The team will depart for Colombo from OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 22 April.

The Proteas Women will play their opening match against India on Tuesday, 29 April at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium from 06h30 SAST.

PROTEAS WOMEN SQUAD – ODI TRI-SERIES

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans) *Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

*Uncapped

Fixtures – ODI Tri-Series

Sunday, 27 April @ 06h30 SAST – 1st ODI : Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Tuesday, 29 April @ 06h30 SAST – 2nd ODI: India v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 02 May @ 06h30 SAST – 3rd ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 04 May @ 06h30 SAST – 4th ODI: Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Wednesday, 07 May @ 06h30 SAST – 5th ODI: South Africa v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 09 May @ 06h30 SAST – 6th ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 11 May @ 06h30 SAST – Final: 1st Place v 2nd Place (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

The Proteas Women will assemble for a national training camp from 6-14 April at the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Centre of Excellence in Tshwane in preparation for the one-day international (ODI) Tri-Series featuring hosts Sri Lanka and India from 27 April to 11 May.

With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India on the horizon, a group of 20 players has been called up for the week-long training camp, featuring the uncapped trio of wicketkeeper batter Karabo Meso, allrounder Miané Smit and spinner Seshnie Naidu.

At just 17 years old, Karabo Meso is already making waves in the cricket world. Despite her academic commitments in her matric year, Meso remains committed to balancing books and boundaries after earning a maiden call-up for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) Tri-Series… pic.twitter.com/BtgmIZ0eUe

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) April 15, 2025

The three youngsters will join up with the nationally contracted players as well as Hollywoodbets Dolphins’ Nondumiso Shangase and World Sports Betting Western Province’s Lara Goodall and Faye Tunnicliffe.

Meanwhile, experienced allrounder Marizanne Kapp has been rested for the training camp and the upcoming ODIs in Sri Lanka as she begins her individual conditioning block in preparation for subsequent tours and the 50-over World Cup later in the year.

Looking ahead to key focus areas of the camp, Proteas Women head coach Mandla Mashimbyi shared his thoughts on his overall approach for the camp, adapting to subcontinent conditions and the inclusion of three uncapped youngsters.

"Our objectives are quite simple for the camp. We'll focus a lot on running between the wicket, playing a rotational game, and building on that through scenario-based matches, which will help improve awareness.

"There will also be nets for skill development, and there'll also be a lot of education around team culture. We're trying to focus on a holistic player from a culture point of view, skill point of view and mindset point of view."

"At the moment we need to understand how to adapt to different conditions, how to play various situations and also how to get out of sticky situations. We've got to focus on that and it's all about making players understand when they're on top, how they go about it and when they're under pressure, how they go about it as well.

"I'm looking forward to seeing these youngsters in our environment and I'm pretty sure that the rest of the team will look after them and make them feel like they belong because this is the future of Proteas Women cricket.

“It's important that we make them feel at home first and then after that, we encourage them to be themselves. If there are opportunities for them to play, they can make a big impact for us and themselves as cricketers,” the head coach concluded.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today named the Proteas Women squad for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) Tri-Series against hosts Sri Lanka and India between 27 April - 11 May, with all matches being held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.… pic.twitter.com/lbnfYOFWDU

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) April 14, 2025

Proteas Women Training Camp Squad:

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans) Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Miané Smit (Knights), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions) and Faye Tunnicliffe (World Sports Betting Western Province)

FIXTURE UPDATE! 📢

The Proteas Women’s ODI Tri-Series against Sri Lanka and India has new dates! 🏏🔥

Our ladies are ready to take on two powerhouse teams in a battle for ODI glory! 🇿🇦🇱🇰🇮🇳 Stay tuned for all the action!#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/q8YgMc3GwB

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) March 28, 2025

Fixtures – ODI Tri-Series

Sunday, 27 April @ 6:30am SAST – 1st ODI – Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Tuesday, 29 April @ 6:30am SAST – 2nd ODI: India v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 2 May @ 6:30am SAST – 3rd ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 4 May @ 6:30am SAST – 4th ODI: Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Wednesday, 7 May @ 6:30am SAST – 5th ODI: South Africa v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 9 May @ 6:30am SAST – 6th ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 11 May @ 6:30am SAST – Final: 1st Place v 2nd Place (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today named the Proteas Women squad for the upcoming one-day international (ODI) Tri-Series against hosts Sri Lanka and India between 27 April - 11 May, with all matches being held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

Three youth internationals have earned their first-ever ODI call-ups. SA U19 stars Karabo Meso and Seshnie Naidu, who featured in this year’s ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, will look to add to their respective T20 International caps. They are joined by uncapped allrounder Miané Smit, who was a travelling reserve at last year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins’ Nondumiso Shangase also makes her return to the One-Day squad for the first time since the Proteas Women’s tour to India in June last year.

These four players replace seamer Ayanda Hlubi, wicketkeeper Mieke de Ridder and opening batter Lara Goodall, while experienced allrounder Marizanne Kapp continues her conditioning block in preparation for the subsequent tours and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India.

Proteas Women head coach Mandla Mashimbyi commented: “It's a very good squad. The mixture of youth and experience helps. It's an opportunity for these girls to show what they can do. Hopefully, whatever we've covered at the camp can be applied in Sri Lanka when we take the field.

“For me, it's not an opportunity for Karabo, Miané and Seshnie anymore. It's an opportunity for us to give them exposure at this level. Going forward and for the bigger picture, it's important that we expose them as much as possible to international cricket.

“This tour is an opportunity for us to check where the team is at. It's a work in progress. We want to get to a point where when we get to India in September, we are where we need to be as a team. But from a skill point of view, there's still a bit of work to do, and that's what we're busy with at the moment,” he added.

Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez said: "We’ve taken a measured and strategic approach in selecting this ODI squad, bearing in mind the conditions we’ll be playing in and the nature of our opposition. The decision to go with four seamers and five to six spin options is reflective of our assessment of the surfaces, where we believe a balanced attack will be key to success.

“This ODI series forms a critical part of our build-up to the World Cup. It’s about building depth, enhancing role clarity, and ensuring that every player is clear on their contribution towards our collective goals.”

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today named the Proteas Women squad for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) Tri-Series against hosts Sri Lanka and India between 27 April - 11 May, with all matches being held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.… pic.twitter.com/lbnfYOFWDU

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) April 14, 2025

Proteas Women Squad – ODI Tri-Series

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), *Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

*Uncapped

Fixtures – ODI Tri-Series

Sunday, 27 April @ 06:30am SAST – 1st ODI – Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Tuesday, 29 April @ 6:30am SAST – 2nd ODI: India v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 02 May @ 6:30am SAST – 3rd ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 04 May @ 6:30am SAST – 4th ODI: Sri Lanka v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Wednesday, 07 May @ 6:30am SAST – 5th ODI: South Africa v India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 09 May @ 6:30am SAST – 6th ODI: Sri Lanka v South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 11 May @ 6:30am SAST – Final: 1st Place v 2nd Place (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)