Get the winning SA-W vs IRE-W Dream11 Prediction for the 1st ODI! We analyze the Buffalo Park pitch report, probable Playing XI, and top fantasy picks for today’s match.
Series: Ireland Women Tour of South Africa 2025 | Venue: Buffalo Park, East London | Date: Dec 13, 2025
The long-awaited ODI series between South Africa Women (SA-W) and Ireland Women (IRE-W) kicks off this Saturday at the scenic Buffalo Park. With the T20 series dusted, both teams shift their focus to the 50-over format. South Africa enters as the heavy favorite at home, but Ireland’s recent grit suggests they won’t go down without a fight.
For fantasy managers, this match presents a unique challenge: balancing the expensive premium South African stars with budget-friendly Irish talent. This guide provides a comprehensive SA-W vs IRE-W Dream11 prediction, pitch analysis, and key player matchups to help you dominate your leagues.
Match Overview & Broadcast Details
- Match: South Africa Women vs. Ireland Women, 1st ODI
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM Local | 1:30 PM IST | 08:00 AM GMT
- Venue: Buffalo Park, East London
- Live Streaming: FanCode / SuperSport
Buffalo Park Pitch Report
Buffalo Park is known for being a sporting wicket, but it generally leans slightly in favor of the bowlers in the first hour.
- Pace vs. Spin: New ball bowlers can expect some lateral movement early on. However, as the ball softens, the pitch tends to slow down, bringing spinners into the game in the middle overs.
- Batting Strategy: Batters need to bide their time. Once settled, the outfield is quick enough to reward shots. A score of 230-245 is considered par and competitive on this track.
- Toss Prediction: Teams winning the toss often look to bowl first to utilize the early moisture and knowing the target in tricky chase conditions.
Team News & Probable Playing XI
Based on the official squads and recent form, here is how the teams are likely to line up.
South Africa Women (Probable XI)
- Laura Wolvaardt (c) – The run machine at the top.
- Tazmin Brits – Aggressive opener.
- Dane van Niekerk – Crucial all-rounder offering balance.
- Sune Luus – Middle-order anchor and leg-spin option.
- Faye Tunnicliffe / Miane Smit
- Sinalo Jafta (wk)
- Nondumiso Shangase
- Eliz-mari Marx
- Tumi Sekhukhune
- Nonkululeko Mlaba – Key spinner.
- Ayanda Hlubi
Ireland Women (Probable XI)
- Gaby Lewis (c) – Ireland’s best batter.
- Amy Hunter (wk) – Dynamic top-order player.
- Orla Prendergast – Vital all-rounder (Pace + Bat).
- Leah Paul
- Laura Delany – Experienced middle-order stabilizer.
- Rebecca Stokell
- Arlene Kelly – New ball threat.
- Cara Murray
- Ava Canning
- Jane Maguire
- Georgina Dempsey
Key Fantasy Picks (Must-Haves)
When building your team (as seen in the screenshots provided), prioritize these players based on their high credit value and potential return.
1. Laura Wolvaardt (Bat – 9.0 Cr)
- Role: Anchor / Captaincy Choice
- Analysis: Wolvaardt is technically sound and rarely throws her wicket away in ODIs. At Buffalo Park, where technique matters, she is the safest bet for major points.
2. Orla Prendergast (AR – 9.0 Cr)
- Role: All-Rounder (Fast Bowling)
- Analysis: Listed as an all-rounder, Prendergast often bats at No. 3 and bowls full overs. She is Ireland’s most valuable fantasy asset.
3. Sune Luus (AR – 9.0 Cr)
- Role: Spinning All-Rounder
- Analysis: Luus can turn the game with her leg-spin on slowing tracks and provides stability in the middle order. A perfect Vice-Captain candidate.
4. Nonkululeko Mlaba (Bowl – 8.5 Cr)
- Role: Left-arm Orthodox Spinner
- Analysis: Mlaba is lethal against right-handers and extremely economical. She is a wicket-taking option often overlooked by amateur players.
SA-W vs IRE-W Dream11 Prediction: Expert Teams
Here are two distinct team combinations: one for safety (Small Leagues) and one for high risk/high reward (Grand Leagues).
Team 1: Safe Team (Head-to-Head / Small League)
This team balances the best players from both sides.
- Wicket-Keeper: A. Hunter
- Batters: L. Wolvaardt (C), G. Lewis, T. Brits, D. Van Niekerk
- All-Rounders: O. Prendergast (VC), S. Luus, L. Delany
- Bowlers: N. Mlaba, A. Kelly, L. Paul
Logic: Wolvaardt is the most consistent scorer (Captain). Prendergast contributes in both innings (Vice-Captain). The 5:6 ratio ensures you cover Ireland’s key contributors while banking on SA’s win.
Team 2: High Risk (Grand League / Mega Contest)
This team assumes South Africa bowls first and dominates with spin.
- Wicket-Keeper: A. Hunter
- Batters: L. Wolvaardt, T. Brits, G. Lewis
- All-Rounders: S. Luus (C), O. Prendergast, D. Van Niekerk
- Bowlers: N. Mlaba (VC), T. Sekhukhune, A. Kelly, Jane Maguire
Logic: If the pitch grips, Sune Luus and Mlaba could take 3+ wickets each. This combination ignores some Irish batters in favor of bowlers who pick up wickets at the death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI
Q1: When and where will the SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI be played? A: The 1st ODI between South Africa Women and Ireland Women will be played on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Buffalo Park, East London. The match is scheduled to start at 1:30 PM IST (10:00 AM Local Time).
Q2: Which TV channel will telecast SA-W vs IRE-W in India? A: In India, the match will not be telecast on traditional TV channels. However, you can watch the live streaming exclusively on the FanCode app and website with a match pass or tour pass.
Q3: Who is the best Captain choice for Dream11 in this match? A: Laura Wolvaardt is the safest Captain choice for Small Leagues due to her consistent ODI record. For Grand Leagues, all-rounders like Sune Luus or Orla Prendergast are excellent high-risk, high-reward options.
Q4: What is the average score at Buffalo Park, East London in Women’s ODIs? A: Buffalo Park generally offers a balanced surface. The average first innings score in Women’s ODIs here is around 230-245 runs. Teams batting first often have a slight advantage if they can survive the initial movement.
Q5: Is Dane van Niekerk playing in the 1st ODI? A: Yes, Dane van Niekerk is included in the probable XI and is a top fantasy pick (Credits: 8.5) for this match, offering value with both bat and ball.
Q6: What is the weather forecast for East London on match day? A: The weather in East London is expected to be clear and sunny with no significant chance of rain, ensuring a full 100-over contest.
Final Verdict & Winning Strategy
South Africa Women are the clear favorites to win the 1st ODI due to their depth and home advantage. However, do not underestimate Ireland’s Orla Prendergast and Gaby Lewis; leaving them out is a risk you shouldn’t take.
- Top C/VC Picks: Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus, Orla Prendergast.
- Differential Pick: Nonkululeko Mlaba (if SA bowls second).
Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
