“It’s a big loss with Chloe’s injury as an all-rounder, that’s why Delmi has come into the team and can give you the option to get out of the game and with her batting,” said South Africa head coach Hilton Moreeng. “In these conditions, we never know this time of year what to expect from our surfaces. So we’re making sure we have all our angles covered and overall we’re excited to make sure we finish on a high and head into our off-season. “

Meso made her South African debut in the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom, where she came in at 8 and was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Chamari Athapaththu. In the third match, she reached the box with one ball left in the innings and did not make a run. Meanwhile, Tucker has played seven ODIs, 14 T20Is and one Test. In seven ODIs, she has 53 runs and three wickets.

The ODI series will be part of the ICC Women’s Championship, which determines qualification for the 50-over World Cup. South Africa is currently second in the standings with 20 points, with ten wins in 15 matches.

“It’s a very simple equation for us, there are six points at stake and Sri Lanka showed in the last two or three days what they are capable of, so now we have to make sure we can do well because in every game there is a lot more to play for. what to play,” said Moreeng. “Qualification is key for the 2025 World Cup. It will be a challenge, but everyone is looking forward to it and we have a very strong team at home.”

After the opening ODI in east London, South Africa and Sri Lanka will meet in the second game in Kimberley on April 13 and then the third in Potchefstroom on April 17.

South Africa squad for women’s ODI series against Sri Lanka:

Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune Delmi Tucker