The South Africa Women’s cricket team will kick off their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign on Friday, 3 October at 11:30 (SA time) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, India.
This year’s tournament, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, runs from 30 September to 2 November 2025. Eight teams will compete in a round-robin format, with the top four advancing to the knockout stages. The final is set to take place on 2 November.
At a media press conference held on Wednesday morning, 1 October, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, South African all-rounder Chloe Tryon addressed journalists ahead of their opening clash against England. Tryon shared insights into the team’s mindset, preparation, and expectations for the tournament.
Reflecting on the opening match of the tournament, Tryon emphasized the importance of adapting to the conditions and staying focused amid unpredictable weather. “One thing we can’t control is the weather. It looks like it might be a lot of on and offs in the next couple of weeks, she said.”
She noted that the pitch showed signs of turn, which could influence strategy. “As a batting unit, it’s about staying in as long as you can and building strong partnerships,” she added. “And yeah, just bowl at the stumps and take your catches. Catches win matches.”
South Africa has only managed one win in their last eight encounters with England since the previous World Cup. But Tryon dismissed the relevance of past statistics. “No, definitely not,” she said. The team has changed a lot over the last couple of years. We’ve got young players coming in and experienced ones stepping up. Everyone’s embraced their role beautifully,” she said.
She added, “We’re going into a World Cup playing the best in the world. It’s an opening game, there’s pressure, but we’re focused on being present and playing our best cricket.”
Tryon acknowledged England’s depth and leadership, singling out their captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt as a key influence. “They’re led by one of the best all-rounders in the world. Everyone feeds off her. Every single one of them are match winners.”
Still, she remained confident in South Africa’s approach: “We just have to play our game, show up with presence, and give 200%. We’ve beaten them before, and we can do it again.”
Now playing in her fourth ODI World Cup, Tryon reflected on the role of senior players like herself, Marizanne Kapp, and Suné Luus. “It’s been a long journey since 2013,” she said. “As a senior group, we want to lead from the front, take responsibility in the middle, and create a strong, positive environment.”
She praised the team’s cohesion: “The way everyone has gelled together has been amazing. We’re excited for the first game, and we want to keep the squad tight and focused. Tryon made it clear that South Africa is aiming high. “We want to win the World Cup. We’ve always wanted to win the World Cup, she said. The grit and hard work behind the scenes is showing. You can see it in everyone’s faces—how much they want this.”
She emphasized a grounded approach: “We’re taking it one game at a time. Our first task is Friday—tick that off and build momentum.”
South Africa’s batting unit has evolved, and Tryon believes their depth is now a game-changer. “We bat really deep, which is crucial in a 50-over tournament,” she explained.
Even if we collapse a bit in the middle, we can rebuild at the back end. Everyone understands their role.”
She added, “Whether I bat at 7, 8, or 9, I want to give 110%. We want to post scores over 300. The intent is there, whether we bat or bowl first. Tryon also spoke about the value of playing in The Hundred and other global leagues. “It’s a different format—100 balls, 5-ball overs—but it’s exciting,” she said. Seeing 16- and 17-year-olds on the big stage, playing against the best, is incredible.”
She added, “I’ve played with some of the England girls, and watching how they go about their skills and business has been insightful. Hopefully, I can bring some of that intel back to the team.”
With the opening match just days away, South Africa’s women are focused, united, and ready to make their mark on the world stage. All eyes will be on Guwahati this Friday as they begin their journey toward World Cup glory.
Teams:
SOUTH AFRICA
Anneke Bosch, Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine De Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Sinalo Jafta,Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas
Nonkululeko Mlaba,Tumi Sekhukhune
ENGLAND
Alice Capsey, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Heather Knight, Sophia Dunkley, Charlie Dean, Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophie Ecclestone, Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, Em Arlott, Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer
Linsey Smith, Sarah Glenn
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