The Proteas Women are relishing the challenge of facing defending champions Australia in their final league-phase match of the Women’s ODI World Cup in Indore on Saturday.

The clash will be played at the Holkar Stadium, starting at 11:30 SA time.

A victory would see South Africa finish top of the round-robin standings for the first time, setting up a semi-final showdown with fourth-placed India in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, 30 September.

Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, batter Anneke Bosch said the team was excited for the challenge.

“We’re looking forward to the opportunity to play against Australia, and obviously we want to do well and hopefully finish top of the table,” she said.

“They’re a world-class team and really difficult to beat as defending champions, and they’ve been playing really good cricket throughout the tournament.

“It’s going to be a big challenge and a good contest, but I think if we just play our best cricket, then the result will sort of take care of itself.”

Australia have won 16 of their past encounters against South Africa. The Proteas’ only ODI victory came in February 2024, when Marizanne Kapp starred with 75 runs and three wickets in a 75-run win.

Bosch also played a key role in their most recent meeting, scoring an unbeaten 74 off 48 balls to inspire South Africa’s victory in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final in Dubai last year.

When asked what it takes to beat the world’s best, Bosch stressed the importance of discipline and execution.

“They are the best team in the world and it’s really difficult to beat them. You have to do the basics really well and the team that does the basics better for longer and stays in control of the game will end up being successful against them.

“They always put the other team under pressure regardless of the situation. I think it’s about sticking to our skills and game plans. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves the best chance.”

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