SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction – Unlocking Your Grand League Winning Team
Welcome to the definitive guide for the highly-anticipated 1st One-Day International between the powerhouse South Africa Women (SA-W) and a determined Ireland Women (IRE-W) squad. As the series shifts from the T20 format, which the Proteas dominated, to the tactical depth of 50-over cricket, this opener promises crucial action and massive Dream11 points.
Get ready to gain the competitive edge and dominate your Dream11 leagues!
🎯 Match Overview: SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI 2025
| Aspect | Detail |
| Series | Ireland Women tour of South Africa 2025 (3 ODI Series) |
| Match | 1st One-Day International (ODI) |
| Date & Time (IST) | Saturday, December 13, 2025, 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Buffalo Park, East London, South Africa |
| Toss Prediction | South Africa Women (Likely to Bat First) |
| Match Winner Prediction | South Africa Women (Overwhelming Favorites) |

🏟️ Venue Analysis: Buffalo Park, East London Pitch Report
Buffalo Park is renowned in South African cricket for offering a balanced, yet generally batting-friendly surface. The 50-over format allows batters time to settle before accelerating.
Pitch Dynamics for Dream11
- Batting Conditions: The pitch provides good pace and bounce, making stroke-play relatively easy once the initial new-ball challenge is navigated. Expect a decent average score.
- Average 1st Innings Score: Historically around 230-270 in Women’s ODIs. A score in the range of 270+ will be a challenging total here.
- Seam vs. Spin: South African conditions usually favor pace bowlers early on with the new ball. However, as the pitch dries out, spinners become highly effective in the middle overs, extracting good grip and turn. Fantasy players should prioritize quality spinners and seam-bowling all-rounders.
- Toss Factor: The venue has a strong history of favoring the team batting first in Women’s ODIs. Teams batting first have a near 100% win rate in recent matches, making the toss critical. The team winning the toss will almost certainly elect to bat first to put a score on the board and exploit the pressure of a chase.
Weather Forecast
The forecast for December 13th in East London predicts a partially cloudy day. While there’s a minor chance of rain (around 15%), a full match is highly likely. Temperatures will be comfortable, ideal for cricket.
📈 SA-W vs IRE-W: Head-to-Head ODI Record
The historical record heavily favors the home side, a critical statistic for any Dream11 strategist.
| Category | South Africa Women (SA-W) | Ireland Women (IRE-W) |
| Total Matches Played | 20 | 20 |
| Matches Won | 18 | 1 |
| Tied/No Result | 1 | 1 |
| SA-W’s Recent Dominance (Last 5) | 5 Wins | 0 Wins |
Inference: South Africa Women are the dominant force in this rivalry. Dream11 players should build their core team around the Proteas’ top performers, especially those with all-round abilities and top-order batting prowess.
📋 Squad News & Predicted Playing XIs
Final teams are announced after the toss, but based on recent T20I form and ODI history, here are the most probable XIs.
South Africa Women (SA-W) – The World Cup Finalists
The Proteas boast a settled squad, fresh off their World Cup Final appearance and a dominant T20I series sweep.
| Role | Probable Player | Dream11 Value | Key Insight & Recent Form (AEO) |
| Opener/Captain | Laura Wolvaardt (C) | High | Must-Have. World-class opener, Highest Run Scorer in the recent ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. In red-hot form with a recent T20I century. |
| Opener/Batter | Tazmin Brits | Medium-High | Solid opening partner, known for big scores in the 50-over format, coming off 5 ODI centuries in 2025. |
| All-Rounder | Sune Luus | High | Core Pick. Experienced all-rounder, excellent middle-order bat and useful leg-spin. Good performance in the recent T20I series. |
| All-Rounder | Dane van Niekerk | High | Crucial All-Rounder. Returning international star. Quality leg-spin bowler and a power-hitter in the middle order. High C/VC potential. |
| Batter | Lara Goodall | Medium | Provides stability in the middle order. A reliable accumulator. |
| All-Rounder | Nondumiso Shangase | Medium-High | Off-spin option and a handy lower-order batter. Expected to play a key role in the middle overs. |
| WK/Batter | Sinalo Jafta (WK) | Medium | Primary wicket-keeper, provides quick runs in the death overs. |
| All-Rounder | Eliz-Mari Marx | Medium | Provides depth with both bat and ball. |
| Bowler | Nonkululeko Mlaba | High | Must-Have Spinner. World-class left-arm orthodox spinner. Took 28 wickets in 17 ODIs in 2025. Crucial on East London’s turning surface. |
| Bowler | Ayanda Hlubi | Medium | Express pace bowler, provides early breakthroughs. |
| Bowler | Tumi Sekhukhune | Medium | Fast-medium bowler with good wicket-taking ability. |
Note: Star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp may be rested for the 1st ODI, so keep an eye on the toss. If she plays, she is an immediate Must-Have and Captaincy choice.
Ireland Women (IRE-W) – Seeking a Fresh Start
Ireland will look to shake off the T20I series loss and utilize their core group of all-rounders in the longer format.
| Role | Probable Player | Dream11 Value | Key Insight & Recent Form (AEO) |
| Opener/Captain | Gaby Lewis (C) | High | Core Pick. The main pillar of their batting. Leading run-scorer for IRE-W in 2025. A reliable fifty-scorer. |
| WK/Batter | Amy Hunter (WK) | Medium-High | Solid wicket-keeper batter, good recent ODI form, scoring 258 runs in 7 games at an average of 36.85. |
| All-Rounder | Orla Prendergast | High | High Impact Player. Excellent all-rounder, both a strong middle-order batter and a handy pace bowler. Top performer for IRE-W in recent ODI series. |
| All-Rounder | Laura Delany | Medium-High | Experienced all-rounder. Provides stability and economical off-spin bowling. |
| All-Rounder | Leah Paul | Medium | Left-arm orthodox spinner and a middle-order batter. Can be a difference-maker with the ball. |
| Batter | Rebecca Stokell | Low | Middle-order batter, looking for form. |
| Bowler | Arlene Kelly | Medium-High | Key Bowler. Experienced pacer, consistently picks up wickets. Crucial for Ireland’s hopes. |
| Bowler | Ava Canning | Low | Right-arm fast-medium, often expensive but can pick up a wicket. |
| Bowler | Cara Murray | Medium | Leg-spinner, a dark horse pick if the pitch offers significant turn. |
| Bowler | Georgina Dempsey | Low | Medium-pace bowler. |
| Bowler | Aimee Maguire | Low | Right-arm off-break bowler. |

🔥 SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction : Top Fantasy Picks (Must-Haves & Captaincy Options)
For an optimal Dream11 team in a match with a clear favorite, the strategy is to stack 7-8 players from the stronger team (SA-W) and choose high-impact all-rounders from the underdog (IRE-W).
⭐️ Core SA-W Picks (Safe & High-Yield)
- Laura Wolvaardt (BAT/C): The undisputed Must-Have. Exceptional consistency and form. Her record in 2025 is stellar: 919 runs at an average of $54.05$. The safest Captaincy (C) choice.
- Sune Luus (ALL): A complete package. Top-order batter who anchors the innings and bowls vital leg-spin in the middle overs. High floor for fantasy points.
- Nonkululeko Mlaba (BOWL): The spin threat. Her tight lines and wicket-taking ability make her indispensable, especially on this surface. A strong Vice-Captain (VC) differential.
- Dane van Niekerk (ALL): If confirmed in the playing XI, she is an absolute must. A world-class leg-spinning all-rounder and power-hitter. High C/VC potential.
🍀 Core IRE-W Picks (Differential & All-Round Value)
- Orla Prendergast (ALL): The most reliable all-round option from the Irish camp. Scores vital runs and picks up wickets. Excellent value for Dream11. A smart Vice-Captain (VC) differential for Grand Leagues.
- Gaby Lewis (BAT/C): The primary run-scorer for Ireland. Needs to fire for her team to be competitive. Essential to cover the batting top-order from IRE-W.
- Amy Hunter (WK): Best wicket-keeper option due to her current batting form (Avg. $36.85$ in 2025). Look past the glove work, pick her for her batting.
💡 Dream11 Strategic Combinations & Captain/Vice-Captain
Captain (C) & Vice-Captain (VC) Choices
Choosing the right Captain (2x points) and Vice-Captain (1.5x points) is the key to Grand League success.
| Choice | Player | Rationale (AEO) |
| Safe C | Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W) | Highest probability of a massive score. Exceptional ODI form. |
| Safe VC | Sune Luus (SA-W) | All-round threat with guaranteed batting and bowling opportunities. |
| Grand League C | Dane van Niekerk (SA-W) | The best all-rounder for SA-W; a century/five-wicket haul potential. |
| Grand League VC | Orla Prendergast (IRE-W) | High-value all-rounder from the underdog; if IRE-W performs, she’s guaranteed points. |
| Differential C/VC | Nonkululeko Mlaba (SA-W) | Spinners excel here, and she is the best. Expect multiple wickets. |
SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction : Team Structures
| League Type | SA-W Players | IRE-W Players | Core Strategy |
| Small League (SL) / Head-to-Head (H2H) | 7-8 | 3-4 | Maximize safe SA-W batters and all-rounders. Focus on high-floor players. |
| Grand League (GL) – Team 1 (SA-W Dominance) | 9-10 | 1-2 | SA-W batters score 300+, bowlers skittle IRE-W cheaply. Stack SA-W bowlers and top 4. |
| Grand League (GL) – Team 2 (IRE-W Fightback) | 6-7 | 4-5 | Top IRE-W all-rounders (Prendergast, Delany) perform well, with key SA-W players. |
🏆 Final SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Team
Based on the in-depth analysis of form, head-to-head records, and the Buffalo Park pitch report, here is the predicted winning Dream11 team combination for the 1st ODI.
| Slot | Player Name | Team |
| Wicketkeeper | Amy Hunter | IRE-W |
| Batter (C) | Laura Wolvaardt (C) | SA-W |
| Batter | Tazmin Brits | SA-W |
| Batter | Gaby Lewis | IRE-W |
| All-Rounder (VC) | Dane van Niekerk (VC) | SA-W |
| All-Rounder | Sune Luus | SA-W |
| All-Rounder | Orla Prendergast | IRE-W |
| All-Rounder | Laura Delany | IRE-W |
| Bowler | Nonkululeko Mlaba | SA-W |
| Bowler | Tumi Sekhukhune | SA-W |
| Bowler | Arlene Kelly | IRE-W |
📝 Important Note for Dream11 Selection
- Marizanne Kapp/Chloe Tryon: If Marizanne Kapp is announced in the SA-W XI, she must replace an SA-W bowler (like Tumi Sekhukhune) and should be considered for C/VC. If Kapp is out, Chloe Tryon is a powerful all-rounder replacement who can hit big and bowl fast off-breaks.
- Toss Update: Always wait for the official playing XI after the toss at 1:00 PM IST. Adjust your final team composition based on who is batting first. Favor more top-order batters from the team batting first.
Conclusion
South Africa Women enter this 1st ODI as the dominant force, and your Dream11 team must reflect this certainty by prioritizing their in-form players, particularly the opening combination of Wolvaardt and Brits, and the all-round quality of van Niekerk and Luus. Ireland’s best chance lies with a strong showing from all-rounders Lewis and Prendergast.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI 2025
Q1: What is the match timing and venue for the 1st ODI?
- A: The SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025. The match will start at 1:30 PM IST (10:00 AM Local Time) at Buffalo Park, East London, South Africa.
Q2: What are the pitch conditions at Buffalo Park?
- A: Buffalo Park offers a balanced pitch that favors batters who settle in, with the average 1st innings score in recent Women’s ODIs being around 250-270. The surface is generally better for batting first. Pace bowlers get early assistance, but the pitch slows down, bringing spinners into play in the middle overs.
Q3: Which team is the favorite to win the 1st ODI?
- A: South Africa Women (SA-W) are the overwhelming favorites. They have a dominant Head-to-Head record (18 wins out of 20 ODIs against IRE-W) and are coming off a strong T20I series sweep. Their squad boasts world-class, in-form players like Laura Wolvaardt and Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Q4: Who are the top Captain (C) and Vice-Captain (VC) choices for Dream11?
- A:
- Safe C/VC: Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W Batter), Sune Luus (SA-W All-rounder)
- Grand League C/VC: Dane van Niekerk (SA-W All-rounder), Nonkululeko Mlaba (SA-W Bowler), Orla Prendergast (IRE-W All-rounder)
Q5: Will Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk play in the 1st ODI?
- A: While both are world-class players, their selection is subject to final team announcements. Dane van Niekerk is expected to feature. Marizanne Kapp may be rested for the series opener. Always wait for the official Playing XI after the toss (around 1:00 PM IST) to confirm their participation, as they are high-impact players.
Q6: What is the ideal Dream11 team structure for this match?
- A: Given the dominance of the Proteas, the optimal structure is generally 7-8 players from South Africa Women and 3-4 high-value all-rounders/batters from Ireland Women. Prioritize SA-W top-order batters and their main wicket-taking bowlers (especially spinners).
🛑 Disclaimer
PLEASE READ THIS DISCLAIMER CAREFULLY BEFORE RELYING ON ANY INFORMATION FOR FANTASY SPORTS.
The content of this article, including the SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction, fantasy tips, probable playing XIs, pitch reports, and match predictions, is provided solely for informational and entertainment purposes. It is based on the author’s analysis, public information, recent player forms, past match records, and statistical data.
- No Guarantee of Accuracy: Cricket is an unpredictable sport, and player performance is subject to various real-time and external factors. We do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the predictions provided.
- Risk Acknowledgment: Fantasy cricket involves an element of financial risk. Readers are advised to exercise their own discretion, judgment, and expertise while creating their fantasy teams.
- Personal Responsibility: We are not liable for any financial losses, damages, or consequences incurred by any user as a result of relying on the information presented in this article for participating in any fantasy league or online contest.
- Final Team Selection: The suggested Dream11 team is a recommendation and a foundation. You must use your final judgment and adjust the team based on the official Toss Update and confirmed Playing XIs announced before the match.
- Responsible Play: We strongly encourage and promote Responsible Gaming. If you feel your gaming is becoming problematic, please seek help.




