South Africa may not boast a strong record against England in ODIs, but allrounder Chloe Tryon believes that history will not define their Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign. Ahead of their opening clash in Guwahati on Friday, Tryon backed the Proteas’ revamped batting lineup to stand up against an England side filled with proven matchwinners.
A New-Look South Africa Ready for Fresh Start
South Africa have managed just two wins in their last eight ODIs against England, including a series defeat at home in 2024. However, Tryon insists that the team has grown significantly since then, citing the squad’s transformation and success in the shorter format.
“The team has changed a lot over the last couple of years,” Tryon said on Wednesday. “We’ve got a nice blend of young players and experienced heads, and everyone has embraced their roles really well. The work we’ve put in behind the scenes is showing, so I’m not worried about old stats.”
Since their last ODI meeting, the Proteas have introduced a new captain, wicket-keeper, fast-bowling spearhead, and coach in Mandla Mashimbyi. That evolution, combined with their experience from reaching two T20 World Cup finals, has given the side fresh confidence heading into the tournament.
Insights from The Hundred Experience
Tryon, along with teammates Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, recently played in The Women’s Hundred, gaining valuable exposure against English players. Though her own returns were modest, Tryon feels the experience gave her an edge.
“I got to play with some of the England girls, which was exciting,” she said. “Just watching how they train and approach the game was a big learning curve. Hopefully, I can share that insight with the squad.”
Among those she observed closely were Lauren Bell and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, both part of an England lineup that Tryon describes as “stacked with matchwinners” and led by world-class allrounder Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Batting Depth a Key Weapon
One major positive for South Africa is their strengthened batting order. With Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Sune Luus, Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, and the option of Karabo Meso providing stability from No. 3 downwards, the Proteas believe they can consistently post or chase big scores.
“We bat really deep, which is important in a 50-over World Cup,” Tryon said. “As a batting group, we’ve come a long way over the past few months. There’s a clear difference in how we approach our innings now.”
The team’s recent form — four wins in their last six ODIs — has showcased this aggressive approach, even if those results came against West Indies and Pakistan.
Senior Players Determined to Lead
For veterans like Tryon, Sune Luus, and Kapp, this tournament carries extra significance as they aim to leave a lasting mark.
“As seniors, we want to take responsibility and lead by example,” Tryon explained. “Some of the squad haven’t played a 50-over World Cup before, so it’s on us to guide them and create the right environment. The way the team has gelled so far has been really encouraging.”
Tryon also noted that Indian conditions could bring spin into play, despite expectations of high-scoring matches. “The pitches look good for batting, but there’s a bit of turn too. We have to be smart and adapt quickly,” she added.
With renewed confidence, a deeper batting lineup, and valuable international experience, South Africa will be aiming to prove that their ODI struggles against England belong to the past.