The three-match ODI series marks the start of eight fixtures South Africa will play in the ICC Women’s Championship, as they aim for automatic qualification for the 2029 showpiece, with the host nation still to be confirmed.

While much of the focus is on the 2026 T20 World Cup in England, this series remains hugely important. However, rain has settled over Bloemfontein, with more expected throughout the day.

It would be a real disappointment if play is washed out, especially after strong ticket sales pointed towards a full house. That said, the weather is very much part of the game.

Coach Mandla Mashimbyi played his first-class cricket in Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek

Captain Laura Wolvaardt told OFM Sport it’s great to be back in the City of Roses, adding the side will lean on local knowledge within the squad and coaching staff, many of whom have roots in the Free State.

“It’s great to be here – a lot of our coaches and players have local knowledge of the conditions and the ground, which really helps. 

“From what I’ve heard, it’s a good place to bat, and we’re excited to be back. It should be a really enjoyable experience.”

The influential skipper added that, while the emphasis is on T20 cricket, this remains a vital 50-over campaign, and it’s crucial to start well in a new World Cup cycle.

“It’s massive to start well in a cycle like this – you don’t want to find yourself in a position where you’re facing a couple of must-win games at the end, because that can be quite stressful,” she said.

“If you can qualify early, it puts you in a great position. It also adds a bit more pressure to every match, which makes each game really important. Hopefully, we can make the most of that and collect as many points as possible.”

Fay Cowling, 18, could be on debut. Photo: Morgan Piek

On the evolution of their power-hitting, Wolvaardt said it’s an area the team has actively worked on, with encouraging results already showing in her own game.

“With the T20 World Cup coming up, we’ve made a conscious effort to keep improving our power-hitting in training.

“Coach Mandla (Mashimbyi) has introduced specific drills, and it’s not something we’ve focused heavily on in the past.”

“There’s a lot of technical work involved, especially around getting into strong, stable positions. It’s been surprising to see how far we can hit the ball when everything comes together, and it’s definitely something that can make a difference at the World Cup.

“In the past, I tended to start slowly and build into my innings, but the modern white-ball game really demands a strong start, especially during the powerplay.”

Annerie Dercksen was striking the ball long in power-hitting training. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s something I’ve worked hard on – being more aggressive early and taking a few more risks. The top players are striking at over 80 in ODIs now, and that’s an area I’ve been very intentional about improving.”

Sunday’s first ODI is scheduled to start at 10:00, although it appears unlikely play will get underway on time. If there is any action, it will most likely be a reduced-overs contest.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg