South Africa’s best XI for the Women’s ODI series against Pakistan

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South African women’s cricket team embarks on their final preparation phase for the upcoming Women’s World Cup with a crucial three-match ODI series against Pakistan, scheduled to take place from September 16 to September 22, 2025. This tour to Pakistan represents a significant milestone for the Proteas as they fine-tune their combination ahead of the marquee tournament, with all matches being played at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt leads a formidable 15-member squad featuring a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, as South Africa seeks to build on their impressive recent performances that saw them reach consecutive T20 World Cup finals. The series holds immense importance for both teams, with Pakistan entering on the back of an unbeaten run at the 2025 Qualifier, while South Africa aims to address their mixed ODI form in 2025.

The three-match ODI series kicks off on Monday, September 16, with subsequent matches on Friday, September 19, and Monday, September 22, all scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM local time. This series serves as the Proteas’ penultimate preparation before heading to India for the Women’s World Cup, making it crucial for finalizing their playing combinations and strategies.

The historical context adds another layer of significance to this encounter. South Africa hold a commanding head-to-head record against Pakistan in ODIs, having won 21 out of 28 matches played between the two sides, representing a 75% win rate. Their most recent encounter in Pakistan was in 2023, where the Proteas secured a 2-1 series victory. This dominant record provides psychological advantage as South Africa seeks to maintain their supremacy ahead of the World Cup campaign.

The timing of this series is particularly strategic for both teams. Pakistan enters with tremendous confidence after winning all five matches at the 2025 Qualifier, led by captain Fatima Sana who impressed with 12 wickets across those fixtures. Meanwhile, South Africa’s recent ODI form shows room for improvement with only three wins in seven matches in 2025, making this series vital for building momentum.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.