South Africa Women vs Ireland Women – T20I Match Preview (3rd T20I) – 10th December 2025, Benoni

Match Overview

The third and final T20I of the Ireland Women's tour of South Africa in 2025 will take place on 10th December 2025 at Benoni. The match is scheduled to start at 16:00 GMT and will serve as the decider of the T20I series, following back-to-back fixtures in Cape Town and Paarl.

South Africa Women, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, have made a strong start to the series, with the return of key all-rounder Dane van Niekerk adding depth to their lineup. Ireland, led by Gaby Lewis, have shown resilience and adaptability, and will look to put up a strong performance on home soil to secure a series victory.

Venue Insights

Benoni, a city in the East Rand of South Africa, is known for producing consistent and fair pitches in limited-overs cricket. The relatively flat and spin-friendly surface could favor teams with a strong middle-order and quality spin options. Both sides will need to strike a balance between aggressive batting and disciplined bowling to gain the upper hand.

Team Form and Key Players

South Africa Women

South Africa enter the final T20I in strong form, having already played two matches in the series. With Laura Wolvaardt in good touch as the anchor and Dane van Niekerk returning to form with both bat and ball, the Proteas are a formidable side.

Key Players to Watch:

• Laura Wolvaardt – The captain is a consistent performer and the mainstay of the batting order.
• Dane van Niekerk – Her all-round contribution, particularly with the ball, can turn the game in her team’s favor.
• Chloe Tryon – A dynamic all-rounder with the ability to change the momentum of a match.
• Nadine de Klerk – The experienced pacer provides the new ball threat and is crucial in the death overs.

Ireland Women

Ireland, despite being the underdogs, have shown great character in the series so far. The likes of Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter have been pivotal in their campaign, and they will look to continue their good form in the final T20I.

Key Players to Watch:

• Gaby Lewis – The Ireland captain is a T20 specialist and has a great record in crunch matches.
• Amy Hunter – A versatile all-rounder, she is capable of picking up crucial wickets and accelerating the run chase.
• Leah Paul – Her aggressive batting and smart shot selection could be vital for Ireland.
• Orla Prendergast – A reliable seamer who can exploit any movement in the early overs.

Match Prediction and Tactical Insights

South Africa have the advantage of home conditions and a balanced squad, with both experienced and emerging players. Their depth in the batting line-up and the return of van Niekerk gives them an edge, especially on a pitch that could favor spin.

However, Ireland have the momentum of being a traveling side that has shown adaptability. If Gaby Lewis can lead from the front and Amy Hunter continues her all-round impact, the visitors could pose a serious challenge.

The toss will be crucial, as it will determine whether the team batting first can capitalize on the early momentum or wait for the pitch to assist spin. A score in the mid- to high-150s could be par, with the result likely hinging on the middle overs and death overs.

Head-to-Head

South Africa and Ireland have faced each other in several T20I encounters over the years, with South Africa generally holding the upper hand. However, in high-pressure decider matches, Ireland have shown the ability to rise to the occasion.

Final Verdict

South Africa Women are slight favorites for this final T20I, given their home advantage, balanced squad, and recent form. However, Ireland Women are known for their fighting spirit, and a win for the visitors would be a significant achievement.

Predicted Winner: South Africa Women

Score Prediction: South Africa Women 172/6 vs Ireland Women 165/8

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