SA-W vs IRE-W Dream11 Prediction 2nd ODI is here. Read my honest take on the Gqeberha pitch, why Wolvaardt is a lock, and if Ireland has any chance.
Introduction
Let’s be honest with ourselves. The first game (or just the general vibe of this series) tells you everything you need to know. South Africa is playing cricket; Ireland is trying to survive. We are heading to St George’s Park for the 2nd ODI, and unless the Proteas decide to bat with their wrong hands, they are heavy favorites.
But for us fantasy nerds, “one-sided” doesn’t mean boring. It means opportunity. It means stacking your team with South African top-order batters and their death bowlers. If you try to get cute and pick 6 Irish players because you “believe in miracles,” you’re going to lose your entry fee. Let’s break down the actual winning strategy for today.
Match Details
Match Info
| Category | Details |
| Match | SA Women vs Ireland Women, 2nd ODI |
| Series | Ireland Women Tour of South Africa 2025 |
| Date | Dec 16, 2025 (Tomorrow) |
| Time | 10:00 AM Local (1:30 PM IST) |
| Venue | St George’s Park, Gqeberha |
| Live | SuperSport / FanCode |
Pitch Report
| Feature | The Real Deal |
| Surface | Slow & Low (Traditional) |
| Spin Support | High (Expect turn) |
| Avg 1st Inn | 230-240 |
| Wind | Always a factor here |
| Toss | Bat first if it’s sunny |
My Pitch Read:
St George’s Park isn’t a highway like Centurion. The ball holds up. It grips. If you are a spinner like Nonkululeko Mlaba, you are licking your lips. Batters can’t just hit through the line early on. Expect a slow start, a consolidation phase, and then carnage at the end.
Weather Update
| Stat | Forecast |
| Temp | 22°C (Windy) |
| Rain | Low chance |
| Humidity | 65% |
| Dew | Minimal (Day game) |
Weather Note:
The famous St George’s brass band will be playing, and the wind will be blowing. That crosswind makes high catches tricky. No rain should spoil the party.
Recent Form
| Team | Form (Last 5) | My Take |
| SA Women | W, W, L, W, W | They are a machine at home. Tough to beat. |
| IRE Women | L, L, L, W, L | Struggling for consistency. Their batting collapses too often. |
Head-to-Head (H2H)
| Stat | Numbers |
| Matches | 20+ |
| SA Won | 18 (Dominant) |
| IRE Won | 2 |
| Top Gun | Laura Wolvaardt |
History Lesson:
South Africa owns this rivalry. It’s usually not even close. Ireland needs a miracle performance from Gaby Lewis to even compete.
Ground Stats
| Stat | Record |
| Matches | 40 |
| Bat 1st Wins | 21 |
| Chasing Wins | 19 |
| Avg Score | 215 |
Venue Vibe:
It’s balanced. But in women’s cricket here, putting runs on the board creates pressure. 240 is a winning score.
Chasing Records
- Win % Chasing: 48%
- Dew Effect: None.
- Verdict: I’d bat first. Put up a score and let the spinners choke the chase.
Team News
- SA Women: The squad list includes big names like Dane van Niekerk (huge if she plays) and Laura Wolvaardt. They look fully stacked.
- IRE Women: Gaby Lewis leads the charge. Orla Prendergast is their MVP. No major injury news, just form issues.
Probable Playing XI
South Africa Women (SA-W):
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Sune Luus, Dane van Niekerk/Miane Smit, Karabo Meso (wk), Eliz-mari Marx, Tumi Sekhukhune, Ayanda Hlubi, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nondumiso Shangase.
Ireland Women (IRE-W):
Gaby Lewis (c), Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter (wk), Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell, Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, Georgina Dempsey, Ava Canning.
Dream11 Prediction Section
Small League (Safe Plays)
- Laura Wolvaardt: She’s the cheat code. Opens the batting, scores runs for fun. Captain her and forget about it.
- Orla Prendergast: Ireland’s best player by a mile. She bats, she bowls. You need her points.
- Sune Luus: Loves these conditions. Leg spin will be effective here.
Grand League (The Gambles)
- Nonkululeko Mlaba: On a slow track, she could grab 3-4 wickets. Make her VC if you’re feeling bold.
- Amy Hunter: High risk. If she clicks, she scores fast. If she doesn’t, she’s out for a duck.
- Tazmin Brits: Sometimes she goes big, sometimes she scratches around. Good GL captain pick.
Player Categories
- Bankers: Wolvaardt, Prendergast, Luus.
- Punts: Marx, Delany.
- Budget: Miane Smit (if she plays).
Key Player Analysis
- Laura Wolvaardt (SA): Class permanent. Her cover drive is pretty, but her points tally is prettier.
- Orla Prendergast (IRE): The only one who consistently stands up to big teams.
- Nonkululeko Mlaba (SA): Left-arm orthodox spin is lethal at Gqeberha. Watch out for LBWs.
- Gaby Lewis (IRE): If Ireland is to score 200, she has to score 80 of them.
Match Prediction – Who Wins?
Let’s not overthink this. South Africa Women are playing at home, they have better batters, faster bowlers, and better spinners. Ireland is spirited, but the skill gap is too wide.
Win Probability: South Africa (90%) | Ireland (10%)
Prediction: South Africa wins comfortably.
Final Dream11 Team
Here is a balanced team based on the user screenshots and form.
| Role | Player | Team |
| WK | Amy Hunter | IRE |
| Bat | Laura Wolvaardt | SA |
| Bat | Gaby Lewis | IRE |
| Bat | Tazmin Brits | SA |
| All | Sune Luus (C) | SA |
| All | Orla Prendergast | IRE |
| All | Laura Delany | IRE |
| Bow | Nonkululeko Mlaba | SA |
| Bow | Tumi Sekhukhune | SA |
| Bow | Arlene Kelly | IRE |
| Bow | Ayanda Hlubi | SA |
Note: Check the toss! If SA bats first, stack their top 3 batters.
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FAQs
Who will win today?
South Africa Women. No doubt.
Best Captain choice?
Laura Wolvaardt is the safest bet. Prendergast is good for VC.
Is the pitch batting friendly?
It’s tricky. 230 is a good score. It favors spinners.
Will it rain?
Doubt it. Should be a full game.
Who is the best bowler pick?
Mlaba. The pitch suits her perfectly.
Can Ireland win?
Only if Wolvaardt gets out for a duck and Prendergast takes 5 wickets. Unlikely.
