The Proteas Women are set to face Pakistan in Bloemfontein on Sunday in the opening One-Day International, marking a significant step in their qualification journey for the 2029 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. However, concerns about rain may impact the day’s play.
This three-match ODI series kicks off a total of eight fixtures for South Africa in the ICC Women’s Championship, as they aim to secure automatic qualification for the upcoming tournament, for which the host nation has yet to be confirmed. While the focus has largely been on the forthcoming 2026 T20 World Cup in England, this ODI series is crucial for building momentum.
Unfortunately, rain has persistently lingered over Bloemfontein, with forecasts indicating more precipitation throughout the day. This prospect of a washout is particularly disappointing given the strong ticket sales indicating a packed stadium. Yet, as always in cricket, the weather plays a significant role in the game.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed her excitement about returning to Bloemfontein, saying that many players and coaches have local knowledge of the field, which is a distinct advantage. “It’s great to be here – a lot of our coaches and players have local knowledge of the conditions and the ground, which really helps,” she noted. She added that early success in this new World Cup cycle is essential, warning that falling behind can create a stressful situation later on.
Wolvaardt also discussed the team’s ongoing focus on developing their power-hitting skills, which have shown promising results in training. With the approach of the T20 World Cup, both she and Coach Mandla Mashimbyi have emphasized the importance of enhancing their batting aggression and offensive strategy. Wolvaardt acknowledged that the modern white-ball game demands a strong start, especially in the initial overs, and she is committed to being more aggressive and taking calculated risks.
The match is scheduled to begin at 10:00, but given the weather conditions, it is uncertain if play will commence as planned. If rain decides to relent, fans can likely expect a shortened contest. The determination and adaptability of the Proteas Women could lead to a thrilling performance, setting a positive tone for the series ahead.