1st T20I: South Africa Women vs Ireland Women – Match Preview

Match Details:

• Date: Friday, 5th December 2025
• Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
• Time: 12:00 PM GMT

Series Context

The Ireland Women’s tour of South Africa 2025 kicks off with a three-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series. The first T20I is set to be a thrilling encounter at the iconic Newlands in Cape Town, a venue known for producing high-scoring contests.

South Africa Women, led by the ever-reliable Laura Wolvaardt, are the clear favorites on paper, backed by a strong batting lineup and world-class bowling resources. Ireland Women, captained by Gaby Lewis, will look to make a statement in this opening clash, leveraging their recent form and a balanced squad.

Team Form & Key Players

South Africa Women

• Form: South Africa have played three T20Is in 2025, securing one win and two losses. They are coming off a mixed phase but have the firepower to bounce back.
• Key Batters:
  • Laura Wolvaardt: A consistent performer, Wolvaardt has scored over 1800 runs since 2024, including a T20I hundred.
  • Faye Tunnicliffe: A rising star with a strike rate of 150.73, having scored 306 runs in four T20I games.
  • Dane van Niekerk: Provides explosive lower-order support with 106 runs at a strike rate of 143.24 in the current season.
• Key Bowlers:
  • Marizanne Kapp: One of the premier all-rounders in women’s cricket, Kapp brings experience and control.
  • Nonkululeko Mlaba: A dangerous leg-spinner who can swing the match with tight lines and sharp turn.

Ireland Women

• Form: Ireland have been in scintillating form, winning 11 out of their last 12 T20Is in 2025. Their consistency and depth make them a tough opponent.
• Key Batters:
  • Gaby Lewis: The Irish captain has scored 405 runs in nine T20I innings in 2025 at a strike rate of 128.57.
  • Orla Prendergast: A dual threat with the bat and ball, Prendergast has accumulated 326 runs at an average of 127.84 and picked up 10 wickets at 17.1.
• Key Bowlers:
  • Arlene Kelly: A wicket-taking machine, with 12 wickets at an average of 13.66 and an economy rate of 6.11.
  • Cara Murray: Known for her accuracy, Murray is a key figure in the middle overs and has taken 67% of her wickets in that phase.

Head-to-Head

South Africa and Ireland have faced each other in five T20Is in recent years, with South Africa winning 3 and Ireland 2. The Proteas have the slight edge in the rivalry, but Ireland's current form cannot be overlooked.

Venue Insights – Newlands, Cape Town

Newlands is a batting-friendly venue, with an average 1st innings score of 130.5 in T20Is since 2022. Teams batting first have a 52.9% win rate, and the pitch is expected to assist the batters initially before offering some late assistance to the bowlers in the death overs.

• Wickets per phase:

  • Powerplay: 1.33 wickets
  • Middle Overs: 1.92 wickets
  • Death Overs: 2.42 wickets

• Economy rates:

  • Fast bowlers average 7.15
  • Spin bowlers average 6.69

Predictions & Key Insights

Toss Prediction: South Africa Women
Match Winner: South Africa Women
Top Batters: Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa), Gaby Lewis (Ireland)
Top Bowlers: Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Orla Prendergast (Ireland)
Most Sixes: Nadine de Klerk (South Africa), Orla Prendergast (Ireland)
Player of the Match: Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)
Predicted Scores:

• South Africa: 150+
• Ireland: 130+

Key Insights:

• Gaby Lewis’s Impact: Ireland wins 82% of matches when Gaby scores over 50.
• Boundary Rate: Gaby Lewis hits a boundary every 5.2 balls in international T20Is.
• Arlene Kelly’s Economy: Arlene has an economy rate below 6.00 in 51% of her games.
• Wicket Specialist: Seshnie Naidu takes over 3 wickets in 14% of her innings.
• Cara Murray’s Strike Zone: Murray takes 67% of her wickets in the middle overs.

Conclusion

The 1st T20I between South Africa Women and Ireland Women promises to be a high-scoring, action-packed contest. While South Africa have the edge in terms of form and depth, Ireland’s recent dominance and explosive batting could upset the odds. With both teams fielding strong squads and playing on a batting-friendly pitch, this match is set to be a must-watch for cricket fans.

Final Prediction: South Africa Women to win by 10-15 runs.