By Levy Masiteng
The Proteas Women face Ireland Women in the first ODI of Ireland’s tour of South Africa at Buffalo Park in East London on Saturday, with play scheduled to start at 10 am.
South Africa head into the one-day series after winning the preceding three-match T20I contest 2-0, with the third match abandoned due to rain after the hosts had already secured the series.
The Proteas, runners-up at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, are ranked fourth in the ICC Women’s ODI team rankings (rating 99) and will look to carry their momentum into the 50-over format.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt and spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba are among the key players expected to anchor the home side, while Ireland — ranked 10th — will rely on captain Gaby Lewis as well as Orla Prendergast and Arlene Kelly to challenge in unfamiliar conditions.
Buffalo Park has historically produced an average first-innings ODI score of 233, suggesting runs can be on offer if the cricketing gods shine on batters.
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