It’s the second match of the series, after India made a strong statement by beating Sri Lanka by nine wickets on Sunday in the opening game.

The last time South Africa played was in the one-off Test against England at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, back in December 2024.

This series is hugely important as it marks South Africa’s first opportunity to play this year. It’s also an ideal chance to prepare for subcontinent conditions ahead of the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt told OFM Sport that the series couldn’t have come at a better time.

“I’m really glad that they made this tour happen. I think if we had to wait all the way from December to the West Indies tour, it would have been a bit too long. So, I’m really happy that this series was added to the calendar,” said Wolvaardt.

Laura Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon. Photo: Cricinfo

“It’s obviously very exciting to play against two really good teams, especially in tough conditions – conditions that suit them and that they’re probably a bit more used to than we are.

“I think we’ve had some good preparation. We had a few camps over the last couple of months where we worked on different scenarios to replicate the game time we were missing.

“Hopefully, we’re able to start on the right foot tomorrow.”

In exciting news, on Tuesday morning, the young Western Province wicketkeeper, Karabo Meso, was named in the Proteas’ playing XI for her senior national debut.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg