South Africa’s best XI for the Women’s ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and India

The South Africa Women’s team is all set to participate in a competitive ODI tri-series featuring hosts Sri Lanka and India, starting from April 27, with the opening clash between Sri Lanka and India. The final is scheduled for May 11, and all matches will be hosted at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

This tri-series will be a crucial test for the Proteas Women to measure their mettle against two strong Asian sides, especially in subcontinental conditions. With the R. Premadasa Stadium offering assistance to both spinners and seamers under lights, team selection and player adaptability will be key.

Key players to watch out for in the tri-series

• Laura Wolvaardt: Her calm leadership and opening solidity make her a pillar for South Africa.
• Chloé Tryon: Known for her finishing abilities, Tryon can turn games around in a matter of overs.
• Ayabonga Khaka: Experienced and reliable, she will be central to South Africa’s bowling plans.
• Suné Luus: A utility cricketer, Luus adds tactical depth with both bat and ball.

With a well-balanced mix of experience and young talent, the Proteas Women will be eyeing strong performances as they build toward upcoming global tournaments. Here’s a look at their best XI for the series and a breakdown of each player’s role, strength, and expectation.

Also READ: Team India’s best XI for the Women’s ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa

South Africa’s top-choice playing XI for the Women’s ODI Sri Lanka tri-series 2025

1) Laura Wolvaardt (Captain – Top-order batter)

• Role: Captain & opening batter
• Strength: Elegant stroke-play, consistency at the top
• Expectation: As captain and one of South Africa’s most dependable batters, Wolvaardt is expected to anchor the innings through the powerplay and middle overs, absorb pressure in tricky situations, and lead by example with her calm presence and tactical awareness.

2) Tazmin Brits (Opener)

• Role: Aggressive opening batter
• Strength: Power-hitting in powerplay, athletic fielder
• Expectation: Tasked with giving South Africa fast starts, Brits is expected to take calculated risks inside the powerplay, target opposition pacers early, and build momentum, which allows the middle order to play with freedom.

3) Suné Luus (Middle-order batter & leg spinner)

• Role: All-rounder
• Strength: Calm under pressure, useful leg-spin
• Expectation: Expected to bring composure and tactical maturity to the middle order, Luus must stabilize innings during collapses, rotate strike effectively, and deliver a few overs of spin to break partnerships or control the run flow.

4) Chloé Tryon (Finisher & left-arm spinner)

• Role: All-rounder
• Strength: Big hitter, handy spin bowler
• Expectation: As South Africa’s designated finisher, Tryon is expected to change games in the death overs with her aggressive hitting. With the ball, she’ll be counted on to bowl smart overs, especially if the pitch offers grip and turn.

5) Nadine de Klerk (Batting all-rounder)

• Role: Seam-bowling All-rounder
• Strength: Reliable medium pace and lower-order batting
• Expectation: De Klerk is expected to serve as the team’s balance point—offering crucial breakthroughs with the ball and finishing or rescuing innings with the bat when needed, especially in tight chases or batting collapses.

6) Lara Goodall (Flexible middle-order batter)

• Role: Anchor in the middle order
• Strength: Rotates strike well, plays spin efficiently
• Expectation: Goodall is expected to be the glue in the middle order, especially against spin. Her role will be to rotate strike, build partnerships, and ensure South Africa doesn’t lose wickets in clusters, allowing hitters like Tryon to explode later.

7) Sinalo Jafta (Wicketkeeper)

• Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
• Strength: Quick glovework, smart with DRS usage
• Expectation: Behind the stumps, Jafta is expected to keep things tight and energetic, especially in hot and humid Sri Lankan conditions. With the bat, she needs to chip in with quick cameos in the lower middle order.

8) Ayabonga Khaka (Pace spearhead)

• Role: Lead fast bowler
• Strength: Accuracy, death-over specialist
• Expectation: As the most experienced pacer, Khaka is expected to control the game’s tempo—both with the new ball and at the death. She’ll be looked upon to pick early wickets, execute yorkers, and absorb pressure during close finishes.

9) Masabata Klaas (Pace bowler)

• Role: Right-arm medium pacer
• Strength: Swing and control with new ball
• Expectation: Expected to complement Khaka, Klaas should focus on building pressure with disciplined lines and creating early breakthroughs, especially during the powerplay and middle overs.

10) Nonkululeko Mlaba (Frontline spinner)

• Role: Left-arm orthodox spinner
• Strength: Economical and wicket-taking ability in middle overs
• Expectation: As the lead spinner, Mlaba is expected to exploit Sri Lankan conditions, bowl tight spells in the middle overs, restrict scoring, and pick up key wickets to break partnerships and tilt the match in South Africa’s favour.

11) Seshnie Naidu (Spinner/Backup All-rounder)

• Role: Utility Spinner
• Strength: Can bat and bowl depending on team needs
• Expectation: Naidu is expected to step up as a flexible option who can slot in during spin-friendly games. Whether it’s bowling a few economical overs or contributing with the bat in the lower order, her versatility will be key to adapting to match scenarios.

Also READ: Sri Lanka unveils 17-member squad for Women’s ODI tri-series against India and South Africa