Cricket
Proteas Women to face India in five T20 Internationals─── MORGAN PIEK 13:30 Wed, 21 Jan 2026
Cricket South Africa has confirmed a blockbuster five-match T20 International series between the Proteas Women and India, setting the stage for a mouth-watering contest in April.
The tour will see two of the world’s premier sides go head-to-head in Durban, Johannesburg, and Benoni, with fans in for a treat. The series will serve as a crucial final dress rehearsal for the Proteas Women ahead of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, which gets underway in June.
Action begins in Durban, where the Proteas will look to make early use of familiar conditions, before the focus shifts to the Highveld for the business end of the series.
With the T20 World Cup starting on 12 June, this is far more than just another bilateral contest.
Nadine de Klerk. Photo: Cricinfo
South Africa have been drawn into a daunting Group 1, alongside defending champions Australia, Pakistan, India, and two qualifying nations, underlining the importance of high-quality preparation.
CSA director of national teams and high performance Enoch Nkwe stressed the value of facing top-class opposition at this stage of the campaign.
“Facing a team of India’s quality so close to a World Cup is exactly what the Proteas Women need,” said Nkwe.
Jemimah Rodrigues. Photo: Cricinfo
“It gives them an opportunity to test themselves against a top-level opponent, fine-tune combinations, and ensure they are executing their plans under pressure.”
CSA chief executive Pholetsi Moseki echoed those sentiments, highlighting the significance of hosting elite international cricket on home soil.
“We are proud to welcome India for what promises to be a world-class series,” said Moseki.
Smriti Mandhana. Photo: Cricinfo
“Hosting quality opposition is vital in showcasing the elite level of women’s cricket and continuing to grow the game across South Africa.
“These encounters also provide a fantastic opportunity for local supporters to witness cricket of the highest standard.”
The first two T20 Internationals will be played at Kingsmead in Durban on 17 and 19 April. The teams then head to Johannesburg for the third and fourth matches on 22 and 25 April, before the series concludes at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on 27 April.
