By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
South Africa’s women’s cricket team begin their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign with a testing opener against England in Guwahati on Friday, carrying with them both renewed optimism and the lessons of past disappointments.
The tournament, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 30 September to 2 November, marks the 13th edition of the 50-over showpiece. For head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, who leads the side into his first World Cup since his appointment last December, the central theme is trust — in preparation, in one another, and in the team’s ability to compete against the world’s best.
“The big word here is trust,” Mashimbyi explained. “It’s for the players to trust their abilities, trust their teammates, and believe that they’re good enough. Once you start trusting the work you’ve put in, you’re already halfway there.”
South Africa’s preparations have included ODI series in Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and Pakistan earlier this year. Mashimbyi, known for his calm presence and steady leadership, stressed the importance of staying authentic and maintaining balance in high-pressure situations. “Given the fact that it’s my first World Cup, the best thing I can do is be authentically me, bring positive energy, a calm mindset, and help the team believe a little more,” he said. “The skills are in place. Now it’s about positivity and clarity of thought.”
While the Proteas have made significant strides in recent years, semi-finalists at the last two 50-over World Cups and back-to-back finalists at the Women’s T20 World Cup, they have yet to lift a global trophy. All-rounder Chloé Tryon, preparing for her fourth World Cup, acknowledged both the challenge and opportunity presented by England, who eliminated South Africa in the 2022 semi-final. “England are a really strong unit, led by one of the best all-rounders in the world in Nat Sciver-Brunt,”
Tryon said. “Every one of them is a match winner. But we’ve shown we can beat them in the past. The key for us is to play our game, show presence, and give 200%.”
Tryon underlined the importance of focusing on the immediate task rather than the long road to the final. “We’ll take it one game at a time. If you think too far ahead, you can get lost. Our first job is Friday against England, and building momentum from there will be vital.”
Mashimbyi echoed that sentiment, framing the tournament as a process rather than a single defining moment. “The ambition is the same as every team, to carry the trophy at the end. But the way to get there is by taking each game on merit, step by step, without adding unnecessary pressure.”
The Proteas, ranked fifth in the world, will face New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and defending champions Australia in the group stage. Their squad blends experience with emerging talent, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt and supported by seasoned performers such as Marizanne Kapp, Suné Luus, Ayabonga Khaka, and Tryon herself.
For South Africa, the opening fixture against England is more than just a curtain-raiser. It is a test of composure, belief, and their readiness to convert years of near misses into a historic breakthrough.
Proteas Women Squad – ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 & Pakistan Tour
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), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions).