Proteas Women face Pakistan in their second Group 1 match at Edgbaston on Thursday, needing a response after a heavy opening defeat to Australia.
South Africa were beaten by 65 runs by Australia at Old Trafford in their opener. After Australia posted 172-8, the Proteas chase unravelled from the start – Sune Luus and Annerie Dercksen both fell cheaply to leave the side 7-2 and despite Laura Wolvaardt’s composed 44 off 39 balls, the required rate climbed beyond reach.
Wareham took 3-13 and Molineux 2-17 as South Africa were bowled out for 107 in 16.4 overs.
The defeat leaves South Africa in a difficult position in a group that also contains India and Bangladesh. This is however not unknown territory for the team, who will use last year’s 50-over World Cup as evidence – the Proteas recovered from an opening defeat to England to reach the final.
Pakistan recently beat South Africa in a bilateral series on home soil, which adds edge to this fixture.
Key players
Wolvaardt leads the Proteas batting with 427 runs from her last 10 T20I appearances at an average of 53.38. Shabnim Ismail marked her return after three years away with a wicket against Australia and will be key with the new ball.
For Pakistan, Fatima Sana has scored 298 runs in her last 10 matches at 186.25, while Sadia Iqbal has taken 12 wickets at 6.48 in nine recent appearances.
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Head-to-head
South Africa hold a dominant record, winning 24 of 37 completed meetings and four of the last five.
Betting angle
South Africa at 1.22 reflects their historical dominance and superior squad depth. Most fours to South Africa at 1.35 aligns with Wolvaardt’s (2.60) boundary-hitting approach at the top of the order.
Ismail at 4.65 for top bowler is worth considering given her ability to strike early against a Pakistan side with known middle-order inconsistency.
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The takeaway
South Africa are the clear favourites. Pakistan’s spin attack will challenge in the middle overs, but the Proteas’ experience and Wolvaardt’s form make them the pick.
Photo: Gerhard Duraan/Gallo Images
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