SA-W vs IRE-W 1st T20 2025 Match Preview: The South Africa women’s team will take on the Ireland women’s team in the first T20I of the Ireland Women’s tour of South Africa 2025 series at Newlands in Cape Town on Friday, 5 December 2025, in what will be the shortest format of the game.
South Africa’s T20I form has been worrisome – four defeats in the last five matches, including two series defeats. However, their World Cup runners-up team showed strength and unity. Led by Laura Wolvaard, the hosts will be looking to make a fresh start on home soil.
The Ireland women’s team has won five consecutive matches, but none of them have come against a top-ranked team. Facing South Africa will be a big test for them as they look to convert their form into performances against strong opponents.
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 T20
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | South Africa Women vs Ireland Women, 1st T20 |
| Date | Friday, 5th December 2025 |
| Time | 5:30 PM (local) |
| Venue | Newlands, Cape Town |
| Live Streaming | Cricket South Africa YouTube |
| Format | T20 |
SA-W vs IRE-W Team Preview & Analysis
South Africa Women
South Africa returns home after a mixed record in this format. The batting revolves around Wolvaardt, Luce and Kapp, while the bowling is their strength, with Ayabonga Khaka and Marizane Kapp leading the attack.
Their recent struggles make this match crucial for restoring momentum.
Key players to watch
- Laura Wolvaardt (captain) – A superb opener, controls the power play
- Marizane Kapp – A strike bowler, a matchwinner in big matches
- Chloe Tryon – A power-hitter in the middle order
- Ayabonga Khaka – A consistent wicket-taker
South Africa Women’s Predicted Playing XI
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Dane van Niekerk, Karabo Meso (wk), Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Derckson, Chloe Tryon, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas
Ireland Women
Ireland will enter the tournament full of confidence after winning five consecutive matches, but those were against Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. It will be a big step.
Skipper Gabby Lewis will lead a young batting line-up. Ireland will need early wickets and a better-than-average run-rate at Newlands.
Key players to watch:
- Gabby Lewis (captain) – Ireland’s most reliable batsman
- Orla Prendergast – Dynamic all-rounder
- Arlene Kelly – Key middle-order batsman
- Jane Maguire – Swing bowler with the new ball
Ireland Women’s Predicted Playing XI
Gaby Lewis (c), Christina Reilly (wk), Orla Prendergast, Amy Hunter, Leah Paul, Ava Canning, Rebecca Stokell, Arlene Kelly, Jane Maguire, Alana Dalzell, Aimee Maguire
SA-W vs IRE-W Pitch Report – Newlands, Cape Town
Newlands is one of the most iconic venues in South Africa.
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17 Women’s T20Is played here
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11 won by teams batting first
Anything 160+ is a par score here. Teams chasing have struggled when the target crosses that number.
Pitch Characteristics
| Skill | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Batting | Strong first innings scoring |
| Bowling | Spinners + pace variations later |
| Toss | BAT FIRST |
Weather Forecast for SA-W vs IRE-W (5 December 2025 – Cape Town)
Overall Conditions: Mostly cloudy, no rain expected – dry and stable weather throughout the day.
Temperature: Around 23°C (74°F) at the start of the match; dropping to ~19-20°C (65-68°F) in the evening.
Match Meaning: Excellent playing conditions – no risk of rain if the pitch cooperates, allowing for smart batting.
SA-W vs IRE-W 1st T20 Win Prediction
Newlands favours teams batting first, and South Africa’s strength in home conditions gives them an edge.
Winning Chances
| Team | Chance | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa Women | 60% | Experienced core + home advantage |
| Ireland Women | 40% | Good recent form |
Prediction: Team batting first to win
