The Proteas Women are set to face England in a crucial ODI series as South Africa eye success over the visitors to gain valuable ICC Women’s Championship points, starting at the Kimberley Oval in Kimberley at 14h00 on Wednesday, 4 December, 2024. All Photos: Cricket SA

The Proteas Women are set to face England in a crucial ODI series as South Africa eye success over the visitors to gain valuable ICC Women’s Championship points, starting at the Kimberley Oval in Kimberley at 14h00 on Wednesday, 4 December, 2024.

Significantly, the host nation mark their first match under newly appointed Head Coach Mandla Mashimbyi with ICC Women’s Championship points at stake, with this series representing a pivotal opportunity for South Africa to strengthen its position in the global standings.

South Africa will be eager to bounce back after a 3-0 loss in the preceding T20I series, which highlighted the need for quick improvements. This three-match ODI series will also set the stage for a historic one-off Test in Bloemfontein, as both teams gear up for an intense battle across formats.

Mashimbyi, who was appointed on 29 November 2024, brings over a decade of coaching experience and a proven track record of success in domestic and international cricket. A former pace bowler with 103 wickets in 39 first-class matches, his playing career was cut short by injury in 2010. However, he quickly transitioned into coaching, becoming one of the most respected figures in South African cricket.

He has led the Momentum Multiply Titans to multiple championships and served as Bowling Coach and Assistant Coach with the Proteas Men’s Team. Most recently, Mashimbyi was Fast Bowling Coach for the Paarl Royals in the SA20 League. Known for his process-driven approach, Mashimbyi is committed to building a high-performance culture within the Proteas Women’s setup, driving transformation goals, and fostering pride and excellence in the team.

“It is with a profound sense of honour and humility that I accept the appointment as the Proteas Women’s Coach,” Mashimbyi said. “I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to contribute to their continued success and elevate their standing as a formidable force in world cricket.”

The ODI squad sees the return of key senior players, including fast bowler Ayanda Hlubi, who earns her first 50-over call-up since February’s tour to Australia. Left-hander Lara Goodall also returns after missing the ODI series against India, while experienced players Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, and Nadine de Klerk rejoin the team. Masabata Klaas, who missed out on the T20 World Cup, is back in contention for the one-dayers.

Currently fourth in the ICC Women’s Championship standings with 23 points from 21 matches, South Africa trails England by just five points. With three matches left for both teams, securing a top-five finish—and automatic qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025—remains within reach.

Mashimbyi acknowledged the stakes during his first media address, saying, “For now, I will be a bit of a ghost, listening and observing more. You don’t want to disrupt the flow because they’re already in the series. But I’ll share what I need to ensure this series goes well—it’s important for us to qualify automatically for the World Cup.”

The Proteas Women’s immediate challenge comes against a formidable England side, but with Mashimbyi at the helm, a strengthened squad, and the chance to regroup after the T20I disappointment, fans are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds.

Fixtures and Results for the Proteas Women’s Inbound Tour against England from 24 November to 15 December, 2024

T20I Series

Sunday, 24 November: South Africa lost to England by 4 wickets (4 balls rem., Buffalo Park Stadium, East London)
Wednesday, 27 November: South Africa lost to England by 36 runs (Willowmoore Park, Benoni)
Saturday, 30 November: South Africa lost to England by 9 wickets (With 51 balls rem., at SuperSport Park, Centurion)

IWC ODI Series

Wed, 4 December, 14h00: 1st IWC ODI: South Africa vs England (Kimberley Oval, Kimberley)
Sun, 8 December, 10h00: 2nd Black Day ODI: South Africa vs England  (Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban)
Wed, 11 December, 14h00: 3rd IWC ODI: South Africa vs England (JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom)

Only Test

Sunday, 15 December to Wednesday, 18 December, 10h00: Only Test: South Africa vs England (Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein)

Proteas Women ODI Squad – Inbound Tour against England (2024/25)

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans)
Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans)
Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions)
Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers)
Mieke de Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers)
Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions)
Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions)
Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans)
Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans)
Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)


Original Copy: Cricket South Africa, with editing by gsport

Main Photo Caption: The Proteas Women are set to face England in a crucial ODI series as South Africa eye success over the visitors to gain valuable ICC Women’s Championship points, starting at the Kimberley Oval in Kimberley at 14h00 on Wednesday, 4 December, 2024. All Photos: Cricket SA 

Photo 2 Caption: Proteas players interact with fans ahead of the 3-match ODI Series against England starting on Wednesday in Kimberley.

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