The first ODI between Pakistan Women and South Africa Women on 16th September 2025 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium promises a competitive contest as both teams look to assert their dominance in women’s cricket. Pakistan, playing at home, will aim to leverage familiar conditions and passionate home support to start the series strongly. South Africa, known for their athleticism and balanced squad, will seek to challenge the hosts with their aggressive style and depth in both batting and bowling departments.
This ODI series forms a vital part of the teams’ preparation for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, 2025 and rankings ahead of ICC events in 2026. The opening game on 16th September is crucial to set the tone for the closely contested series that follows, adding extra intensity to this Pakistan-South Africa rivalry.
Squads:
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Aliya Riaz, Eyman Fatima, Natalia Pervaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Fatima Sana (C), Omaima Sohail, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Nawaz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Syeda Aroob Shah
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase
Players to watch out:
Aliya Riaz
Aliya Riaz plays as a right-handed batter and right-arm medium bowler. In 73 ODIs, she scored 1,523 runs with a batting average of around 26.7 and has hit ten fifties, with the highest of 81. With the ball, she has bowled enough to take 12 wickets, at an economy rate of 5.4. Aliya Raz is an established all-round contributor for Pakistan in ODIs, combining steady batting with part-time bowling capabilities.
Fatima Sana
Fatima Sana is a prominent all-rounder for the Pakistan women’s cricket team, primarily a right-arm medium-fast bowler and right-handed batter. She has played 46 ODIs, scored 585 runs with a batting average of 18.87, including three half-centuries, with the highest score of 90*. With the ball, she has taken 63 wickets at an average of 27.55, with best bowling figures of 5/39 and an economy rate of 5.39.
Laura Wolvaardt
Laura Wolvaardt is a top South African women’s cricketer, primarily a right-handed opening batter. She has played 107 ODIs, scoring 4,519 runs at an impressive average of about 49.1 and a strike rate near 71.83. She has recorded 8 centuries and 35 half-centuries, with the highest ODI score of 184*. She is known for her elegant stroke play and consistent run-scoring, making her one of the premier batters.
Marizanne Kapp
Marizanne Kapp is a leading South African women’s all-rounder. She has played 151 WODI matches, scoring 3182 runs at a batting average of 34.21, including 3 centuries and 15 half-centuries, with the highest score of 114. With the ball, she has taken 167 wickets at an average of 24.47 and an economy rate of 3.8. Her best bowling figures in an ODI innings are 5/45. Kapp is renowned for her balance as a genuine all-rounder.
Pitch:
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is known for being a batters’ paradise, offering a hard and flat surface that allows the ball to come onto the bat nicely, making stroke play easier. Early in the game, pacers get some seam movement, but this usually fades, so bowlers relying on variations succeed more.
Weather:
The weather forecast for Lahore is expected to be hazy sunshine with very warm conditions. There is no significant rain predicted for that day, making it generally favorable for cricket with some haze in the atmosphere.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen
Match Details:
Date – September 16, 2025
Time – 4:00 PM IST
Venue – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
