Bangladesh Women vs South Africa Women – ODI Warm-up Match Preview

Date: Thursday, 25 September 2025
Time: 10:30 AM GMT / 03:00 PM (Local Time)
Venue: Colombo Cricket Club Ground, Colombo

Match Overview

The Bangladesh Women and South Africa Women clash in a warm-up match ahead of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025. Scheduled for Thursday, 25 September 2025, the match at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground is an important preparatory encounter for both teams. With the World Cup just around the corner, this game offers both squads a final opportunity to fine-tune their strategies, test combinations, and assess form before the tournament proper.

This match is part of the ICC Women's World Cup Warmup Matches series, and while it doesn’t carry trophy weight, it will be closely watched by selectors, coaches, and fans alike.

Head-to-Head Record

The two teams have faced each other in 10 official ODI encounters, with South Africa holding a 6-4 advantage. Their recent meetings have been tightly contested, with both sides showing the ability to win on their day. The 2024 T20 World Cup saw Bangladesh Women outperforming expectations, but in the 2023 ODI series, South Africa came out on top with a 3-1 victory.

Team News & Key Players

Bangladesh Women

• Form & Strengths: Bangladesh have shown improvement in both batting and bowling in recent campaigns. The middle order, led by the experienced Nigar Sultana Joty, has been a consistent source of runs. The spin quartet of Ripal Hossain, Nahida Akter, and Ayasha Rahman has been particularly effective in tight conditions.
• Injuries & Absences: No major injury concerns reported. The squad is relatively intact, and the coaching staff is expected to field a strong XI.
• Key Player: Sharmin Ahmed (Captain) – The all-rounder has been a consistent performer with both bat and ball, and she will be pivotal in steering the team in this crucial warm-up.

South Africa Women

• Form & Strengths: South Africa has traditionally been a strong side in women’s cricket. Their top order, led by Trisha Chetty and Sune Luus, has been formidable in recent series. The pace attack, with Ayabonga Khaka and Mandy Nel, is known for its aggression and swing ability.
• Injuries & Absences: No major injury concerns. The experienced Sune Luus is expected to return to the side after missing a few games due to a minor back strain.
• Key Player: Sune Luus – The all-rounder is a match-winner and will be expected to anchor the innings and contribute with the ball.

Pitch & Weather Conditions

The Colombo Cricket Club Ground is a well-balanced venue, with a pitch that offers some assistance to both batters and bowlers. In recent matches, the pitch has been true and even, with a slight advantage to fast bowlers in the early overs. However, as the game progresses, the surface tends to become more favorable for spinners. The weather is expected to remain clear and pleasant, with temperatures around 32°C and minimal humidity, ideal for an ODI contest.

Toss Prediction

Given the importance of fielding first on such a pitch, we anticipate that South Africa Women will win the toss and choose to bat first, aiming to set a competitive total. Their aggressive openers are well-equipped to capitalize on the early conditions.

Match Prediction & Fantasy Tips

Expected Score if Batting First:

• Bangladesh Women: 230-240
• South Africa Women: 245-260

Match Winner Prediction:

A closely contested match is expected, but the slight edge goes to South Africa Women, who are historically more consistent in white-ball cricket and have the experience to handle high-pressure situations.

Top Performers to Watch:

• Bangladesh Women:

  • Sharmin Ahmed – All-rounder
  • Nigar Sultana Joty – Middle-order batter
  • Ripal Hossain – Leg-spinner

• South Africa Women:

  • Sune Luus – All-rounder
  • Trisha Chetty – Opener
  • Ayabonga Khaka – Fast bowler

Fantasy Tips:

• Captain (C): Sune Luus (South Africa)
• Vice-Captain (VC): Sharmin Ahmed (Bangladesh)
• Wicket-keeper: Nigar Sultana Joty (Bangladesh)
• Bowl pick: Ayabonga Khaka (South Africa)
• All-rounder: Sharmin Ahmed (Bangladesh)

Conclusion

This warm-up match between Bangladesh Women and South Africa Women is a must-watch as both teams look to end their pre-World Cup preparations on a high. While South Africa has the edge in experience and form, Bangladesh have shown they can compete with the best in the world. The Colombo Cricket Club Ground promises an exciting contest, and fans can expect a thrilling display of skill and determination.

Final Prediction: South Africa Women to win by 5-10 runs.
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