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Key Points

Suzie Bates has warned her New Zealand teammates not to underestimate South Africa despite their disappointing World Cup opener. The White Ferns are coming off a hard-fought loss to Australia that showed their fighting spirit. Bates emphasized that South Africa has been successful in previous World Cups and will be eager to bounce back. Both teams face a crucial encounter where victory could define their tournament campaigns.

Key Points: Suzie Bates Warns of South Africa Comeback in World Cup Clash

  • Bates highlights South Africa's strong World Cup history despite recent loss
  • New Zealand takes confidence from fighting performance against Australia
  • Both teams enter match coming off defeats but with different momentum
  • Match features milestone appearances for veteran players Sophie Devine and Bates
  • Conditions in Indore expected to favor batting units
  • White Ferns aim to capitalize on South Africa's batting vulnerabilities
3 min read

Women's Cricket World Cup: Suzie Bates warns of strong South African comeback ahead of their clash against them

New Zealand's Suzie Bates cautions against underestimating South Africa despite their slow start, as both teams seek crucial World Cup victory in Indore.

"I know how South Africans are, and I'm sure they're going to bounce back - Suzie Bates"

Indore, October 6

Ahead of the game against South Africa in the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, New Zealand right-hand batter Suzie Bates has cautioned that South Africa, despite a disappointing start to their World Cup campaign, remains a formidable side.

New Zealand face South Africa in Indore, on a pitch that has already proven to be fruitful for batting units. White Ferns - like Proteas - also enter their World Cup match-up coming off a loss, the narrative was very different for New Zealand, as they showed great character under pressure against reigning champions Australia.

"I thought the way we fought with the ball, even though Ash Gardner came out and got 100. Then we were two for none, and then the way we stayed in that game with Sophie Devine's outstanding innings, I think we were just really proud of how we fought, and we weren't able to get across the line. We've just got to put it all out there when it matters. Our bowlers are doing a good job. Our chances are high if we play our best game tomorrow," Bates told the media as quoted by ICC.

"We also know South Africa are an extremely good side, and they have been successful at World Cups as well. South Africa are going to be hurting after their first game. But I don't think we can take too much from that game. Completely different conditions. They batted first, and obviously didn't perform the way they wanted. We've just got to be making sure that we start really strongly with the ball and put them under pressure again. I know how South Africans are, and I'm sure they're going to bounce back, " she added.

Bates' milestone game doubles as a significant occasion for in-form veteran Sophie Devine, who will play in her 300th international.

"To think that together we have played 650 internationals for the White Ferns is unbelievable. We want to make sure that we finish that game on a good note so we can celebrate. But we've got to push those milestones to the side and just be present tomorrow. We'll recognise that it's a special day, but our focus is on making sure we win that game and play well," the opener said.

Squads:

New Zealand Squad: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Bree Illing, Bella James, Hannah Rowe, Rosemary Mair, Polly Inglis

South Africa Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Nondumiso Shangase, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Bates is absolutely right not to underestimate South Africa. They have quality players like Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt who can turn any game around. Proteas will definitely come back stronger!
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, it's wonderful to see women's cricket getting this level of attention. The quality has improved so much over the years. Looking forward to a thrilling contest!
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Aditya G
Respect to Bates for her honest assessment. Many teams would get overconfident after opponent's poor start, but she recognizes the threat South Africa poses. That's true sportsmanship 🙌
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Nikhil C
While I appreciate the coverage, I wish Indian media gave equal importance to women's cricket as they do to men's. These world-class athletes deserve more recognition in our country.
M
Meera T
Sophie Devine playing her 300th international! What an inspiration for young girls in India who want to pursue cricket. Hope she celebrates with a match-winning performance 💪

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