South Africa Women and India Women are set to begin their five-match T20I series at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on April 17.
For India, the tour presents an opportunity to carry forward momentum from a strong domestic season while refining team combinations under captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The visitors arrive with a largely settled squad, particularly with a dependable top order, but the conditions in Durban — known for bounce — are expected to test their technique.
South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, will aim to maximise home advantage. With a pace attack suited to local conditions, the hosts will look to put early pressure on India’s openers and establish control from the outset.
Squads
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Tebogo Macheke, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon
India Women’s Cricket Team
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Uma Chetry, Bharti Fulmali, Kranti Gaud, Kashvee Gautam, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Anushka Sharma, Shree Charani
Players to watch
Laura Wolvaardt
The South African captain continues to be central to her side’s batting, with 2,434 T20I runs at an average of 36.32. Her record includes 13 fifties and two centuries, highlighted by an unbeaten 115 against Ireland last year. With 93 matches of experience and a recent move to the Delhi Capitals in the WPL, she remains a key wicket for India.
Ayabonga Khaka
Khaka has been a consistent performer for South Africa, picking up 70 wickets in 79 T20Is. Her economy rate of 6.87 plays a crucial role in controlling scoring in the format. With best figures of 4/23, she has the ability to break partnerships at important moments.
Smriti Mandhana
Mandhana brings significant firepower to India’s batting line-up, with 4,231 T20I runs at a strike rate of 124.51. She has recorded 22 fifties and recently reached a career-best 112 against England in mid-2025. Her aggressive approach at the top is key to India’s starts, complemented by an average of 30.44.
Deepti Sharma
A vital all-rounder, Deepti has claimed 153 wickets in 136 T20Is at an average of 19.00. She has also contributed 1,108 runs, including two half-centuries, adding depth to the lower-middle order. Her best bowling performance of 4/10 underlines her impact potential.
Pitch report
The surface at Kingsmead traditionally assists fast bowlers, offering bounce and movement early in the innings. Local conditions, including increased humidity due to the incoming tide, are believed to aid swing, making it a challenging venue for batters early on.
Weather
The forecast suggests partly cloudy conditions, with temperatures expected to range between 19°C and 26°C. There is a slight chance of isolated afternoon showers, though overall conditions should remain warm.
Match Details
- Date: April 17, 2026
- Time: 9:30 PM IST
- Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
- Broadcast: Live streaming available on the FanCode app and website
