TOSS: Proteas Women overhaul their ODI XI with Dane van Nierkerk and Karabo Meso included

Ireland have won the toss and elected to bat in the first ODI against the Proteas in the first ODI at Buffalo Park in East London on Saturday.

The toss was delayed for an hour and 15 minutes due to a wet pitch with the grounds curator making a coal fire on the pitch to dry the surface. 

The Proteas are experimenting with a youthful squad and have made seven changes to the team that played in the World Cup final against India in Mumbai. 

Eighteen-year-old Karabo Meso has taken over the gloves behind the stumps, while Lara Goodall, Maine Smit, Eliz-Marie Marx, Tumi Sekhukhune and Ayanda Hlubi all return to the starting XI. 

Game on! 😁🔥

The pitch is ready at Buffalo Park and the toss is locked in for 11:15am. 🏏🏟️

Let’s get this first ODI underway! 💪🇿🇦#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/Yn9UtmCShd

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) December 13, 2025

Former captain Dane van Nierkerk will also be playing her first ODI since her last appearance against the West Indies back in 2021.

The Proteas won the T20I series 2-0 after the third match in Benoni was abandoned due to rain. 

Full teams for Buffalo Park

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Sune Luus, Dane van Niekerk, Miane Smit, Karabo Meso, Eliz-Mari Marx, Tumi Sekhukhune, Ayanda Hlubi, Nonkululeko Mlaba.

Ireland: Georgina Dempsey, Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, Sarah Forbes, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis (captain), Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell.