Wolvaardt, a seasoned batter and South Africa’s top ODI run-getter, has amassed 4,651 runs in 110 matches at an average of 48.95, with nine centuries and 35 fifties. Since becoming captain in 2021, she has further elevated her game, scoring 1,523 runs in 32 matches at an average of 56.40, while leading South Africa to 16 wins. Heather Knight, former England skipper, described her as a “calm leader” whose batting has reached a new level under her captaincy.
Tazmin Brits, Wolvaardt’s opening partner, is in exceptional form this year, with 643 runs in nine innings at an average of 91.85, including four centuries and a fifty. Her recent performances feature a hat-trick of centuries, with scores of 171* against Pakistan and other big knocks against West Indies and Pakistan, underscoring the challenge for England’s bowlers.
Two-time champions England have assembled a balanced squad led by Sciver-Brunt, featuring Tammy Beaumont, Sophie Ecclestone, Alice Capsey, Heather Knight, and others. The team will aim to strike early, particularly against South Africa’s dangerous top order, to secure momentum in their opening fixture.
The clash is expected to be a high-stakes contest, with England eager to start their World Cup campaign with a win, while South Africa will rely on Wolvaardt’s consistency and the destructive form of Brits to challenge the defending champions. Tactical planning, execution in the powerplay, and key individual performances will likely determine the outcome of this opening encounter.
England won the toss and Nat Sciver-Brunt has opted to field against South Africa Women.
