CHRISTCHURCH: South Africa's cricket team, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, is set to face New Zealand in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series as part of the ICC Women's Championship 2025/29 cycle. The series, which kicks off on Sunday at the Hagley Oval, presents an opportunity for South Africa to recover after a disappointing 4-1 loss in the recent T20I series against the same opponents.
According to International Cricket Council, Wolvaardt expressed optimism about the team's potential in the upcoming ODIs. She acknowledged the team's inconsistency in the T20Is but emphasized their previous success in the ODI format, particularly during the World Cup. "We want to be a lot better in this ODI series," Wolvaardt stated, highlighting the significance of the series in the context of World Cup qualification. South Africa is currently third on the IWC table, with two victories and one defeat against Pakistan last month.
The three-match series holds considerable importance as part of the qualification process for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2029. Wolvaardt stressed the critical nature of securing points early in the cycle to avoid pressure in later stages. "The points are super important," she remarked, "every game is super important."
While New Zealand enters the series with confidence following recent wins over both South Africa and Zimbabwe, South Africa has a strong ODI record against the White Ferns, including a significant win at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India last year. Wolvaardt noted the strength of the New Zealand team but emphasized South Africa's proactive approach in the series. "We’re definitely looking to be a bit more proactive, be a bit braver," she said.
The South Africa ODI squad for the series includes Laura Wolvaardt, Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, and Chloé Tryon. The series fixtures are set for March 29, April 1, and April 4, with matches in Christchurch and Wellington.