As South Africa prepares to take on Pakistan in the first ODI, several players are poised to make a significant impact. This match will unfold on February 22 at the Mangaung Oval, starting at 1:30 PM IST. With a successful T20I series behind them, the South African team, led by Laura Wolvaardt, is strategically eyeing the ODI matches from February 22 to March 1.
South Africa’s Top 3 Women Players to Watch in 1st ODI vs Pakistan
- Laura Wolvaardt
- Nadine de Klerk
- Ayabonga Khaka
Laura Wolvaardt
Captain Laura Wolvaardt shines as a key player for South Africa. During the recent T20I series, she was the standout performer, scoring 112 runs at an impressive strike rate of 143.58. With an ODI career total of 5,477 runs at an average of 52.16, she brings significant experience to the team.
Wolvaardt has a solid record against Pakistan, having scored 658 runs in 16 innings. Her home performance is even more remarkable, with 2,151 runs at an average of 63.26 in 42 innings. Fans can expect her to anchor the innings and accelerate at critical moments.
Nadine de Klerk
Nadine de Klerk is another pivotal player. While she contributed 31 runs in the T20I series, her true impact is felt in ODIs, particularly against Pakistan. She has accumulated 186 runs in eight innings, alongside 14 wickets at an average of 16.92, demonstrating her dual-threat capabilities.
Overall, de Klerk has amassed 934 runs and taken 68 wickets in her ODI career. Her ability to perform in both batting and bowling could be vital for South Africa, especially if they face pressure during the match.
Ayabonga Khaka
Veteran pacer Ayabonga Khaka is essential in the bowling lineup. She was a standout in the T20I series, sharing the lead for wickets with five. In ODIs, her experience shines through with 142 wickets, achieving a commendable economy of 4.28.
Against Pakistan, Khaka has claimed 18 wickets in just 13 innings, making her a formidable opponent. Her ability to exploit the conditions at Mangaung Oval can put immediate pressure on Pakistan’s batting order.
As the first ODI approaches, these three players will be vital for South Africa. Their performance could very well dictate the outcome of this highly anticipated series against Pakistan.
