Women’s World Cup 2025: Suzie Bates wary of ‘hurting’ South Africans

Samira Vishwas

Tezzbuzz|06-10-2025

For a team like South Africa, the manner of the defeat to England will make them a tough opponent, according to New Zealand opener Suzie Bates. She also warned her team against reading too much into that result ahead of the two sides’ clash here on Monday.

“South Africa is going to be hurting after its first game. I know how South Africans are, and I’m sure they’re going to bounce back. They didn’t perform the way they wanted. We’re just going to be making sure that we start really strong and put them under pressure,” she said.

“I don’t think we can take too much from South Africa’s defeat to England. Completely different conditions. We know how this wicket generally plays, the outfield and the angles of the ground… It’s all about who adapts the best tomorrow as well, ”

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Sinalo Jafta, who was the only South African to not perish in single digits in the opening match, remained upbeat and keen on not dwelling on the past. “I think we had to leave Guwahati behind us,” she remarked with a laugh.

“For us, coming here is like fresh perspective.”

The wicketkeeper also stressed the importance of taking it one game at a time and not getting ahead of themselves. “We need to be disciplined in what we do and take it literally one ball, one game at a time. We are not looking ahead. Tomorrow is another opportunity.”

Published on Oct 05, 2025

The wicketkeeper also stressed the importance of taking it one game at a time and not getting ahead of themselves. “We need to be disciplined in what we do and take it literally one ball, one game at a time. We are not looking ahead. Tomorrow is another opportunity.”

Published on Oct 05, 2025

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