SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI Match Preview: Team Analysis, Pitch Report, Playing XI & Prediction | Ireland Women’s tour of South Africa 2025

SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI 2025 Match Preview: The South Africa women’s team will take on the Ireland women’s team in the first ODI of the Ireland Women’s tour of South Africa 2025 series at Buffalo Park, East London, on Saturday, 13 December 2025.

South Africa has made a strong start to the ODI series after winning the T20 series 2-0. Laura Wolvaardt’s team looks disciplined and confident in all departments. With their ODI team having performed well in the Women’s World Cup 2025, the hosts will be looking to start the ODI phase with a strong win.

Meanwhile, the Ireland women’s team will be looking to bounce back after struggling in the T20Is. Led by Gaby Lewis, their young team will look to challenge South Africa with strong batting partnerships and a strong bowling attack. This ODI series offers them a chance to end the tour on a positive note.

In this article, we look at the SA-W vs IRE-W match preview, pitch report, predictions and statistics.

Match Details – SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI

SA-W vs IRE-W Team Preview & Analysis

South Africa Women

South Africa comes into the ODI series with confidence and consistency. Laura Wolvaardt continues to be the backbone of their batting, having dominated the ODI World Cup earlier this year.

All-rounders like Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk add balance, while the spin department led by Nonkululeko Mlaba is expected to trouble Ireland again.

South Africa will aim to start strong and take a 1–0 lead before pushing for a series win.

Key Players to Watch:

• Laura Wolvaardt (captain)
• Sune Luus
• Chloe Tryon
• Nonkululeko Mlaba

South Africa Women’s Predicted Playing XI

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Sune Luus, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nondumiso Shangase, Nadine De Klerk, Lara Goodall, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Dane van Niekerk, Eliz-mari Marx

Ireland Women

Ireland will look for a stronger performance in the ODIs after falling short in the T20Is. Their batting unit, led by Gaby Lewis and Laura Delany, needs to put up competitive totals.

The bowling group must maintain discipline on a pitch that rewards accuracy. Ireland will aim to compete harder and take the match deep.

Key Players to Watch:

• Gaby Lewis (captain)
• Orla Prendergast
• Laura Delany
• Cara Murray

Ireland Women’s Predicted Playing XI

Amy Hunter (wk), Ava Canning, Laura Delany, Gaby Lewis (c), Rebecca Stokell, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Cara Murray, Clara McBride, Arlene Kelly, Sarah Forbes

SA-W vs IRE-W Pitch Report – Buffalo Park, East London

Buffalo Park is a good ground for batting, especially in the first innings.

• Average first innings score: 230+
• Those who build their innings will be rewarded.
• Fast bowlers tend to score early, but spinners tend to come in later.

Toss prediction:

Batting first here – a high score would be good.

SA-W vs IRE-W Weather Forecast (East London, December 13)

• Conditions: Clear, dry, no rain

• Temperature: 20°C – 25°C

• Excellent weather for cricket throughout the match.

SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI Win Prediction

If South Africa Bat First:

• Powerplay: 55–65

• Total: 245–255

If Ireland Bat First:

• Powerplay: 40–50

• Total: 200–210

Win Probability:

• SA-W — 80%

• IRE-W — 20%