It marks their first visit to the City of Roses since December 2024, when they faced England women's national cricket team in a once-off Test.

While much of the focus is on T20 International cricket with the 2026 T20 World Cup in England on the horizon, the Proteas remain firmly committed to the 50-over format. The ODI game continues to play a vital role in sharpening their approach and building momentum towards global tournaments.

Former Free State and Knights all-rounder, Dillon du Preez, who is the assitant coach - Morgan Piek

The 24-year-old all-rounder, Annerie Dercksen, has returned to familiar territory. Bloemfontein is where her cricket journey truly gained traction, having studied and represented Free State with distinction. Dercksen told OFM Sport that the city still feels like home.

“It’s amazing to be back - as soon as the plane landed, I got that warm, fuzzy feeling. It really feels like a second home,” she said.

“I’ve spent a lot of time here, and just driving through the streets and getting back into the gym brought back so many great memories.”

Despite the looming T20 World Cup, Dercksen stressed that the team is not taking the ODI series lightly.

“We’re very focused on every series we play. Even though T20 cricket is a big focus for us, these ODIs are crucial for World Cup qualification.

“We want to qualify automatically and finish at the top end of the table, so this is a really important series.”

In recent months, the Proteas have placed a strong emphasis on power hitting - and the results are beginning to show. On Thursday, batters including captain Laura Wolvaardt, Suné Luus, and Nadine de Klerk put in the hard yards in the nets, while Dercksen prepared to fine-tune her big-hitting skills.

Masabata Klaas hails from Botshabelo - Morgan Piek

“In world cricket, especially in the women’s game, there’s a clear shift towards more power and scoring more boundaries,” she explained.

“Since Coach Mandla came in, that’s something we’ve really been working on, and hopefully by the World Cup it all comes together.

“I absolutely love hitting balls - sometimes they have to chase me out of the nets! But it’s not just about power; it’s about picking the right ball and the right moment.”

The squad will, however, be without veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who has been ruled out of the series due to illness.

Marizanne Kapp - Morgan Piek

While Dercksen has often been earmarked as a long-term successor to Kapp, she is keeping her focus firmly on her own game.

“I always laugh when people say I’m ‘primed’ to be the next Kapp. She’s one of a kind - a generational talent.

“There’s no pressure on me to be like her. I just want to be the best version of myself for the team.

“That said, it’s a great opportunity for all of us to step up, and we’re definitely looking forward to having her back as soon as possible.”

The first ODI between South Africa and Pakistan will take place at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday, with play set to get underway at 10:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport