Nonkululeko Mlaba brings valuable experience to South Africa’s squad at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, having played here during the tri-series between India and Sri Lanka earlier this year.

The team fell short of making the final in May 2025 but has found itself in fine form at the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. South Africa’s recent success, though, will not be reason for the team to take any opposition lightly, stressed Mlaba.

“Every team is very hard to play against. We played against Sri Lanka in the tri-series, and at home, and they beat us in a few games. They definitely have a good team.

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“The spinners are very good, and (Chamari) Athapaththu herself. We don’t undermine any team, but we just play our own game and try our best to win the game,” the spinner said ahead of the fixture against the Lankans.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, found a silver lining in its washout against New Zealand, as it allowed Nilakshika Silva to showcase her ‘natural game’. Her 26-ball half-century, the fastest of this Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, came at a crucial stage.

“Even in practice sessions, I play match situations. It’s not easy to play in number six. I got the support to play my natural game because the top order, right from the openers, gave a good start,” she said.

Silva also added that Sri Lanka has “identified and discussed the weaknesses of the opposite team” and hopes that the last match’s momentum will be carried forward.

Published on Oct 16, 2025