Why Nonkululeko Mlaba could be India Women's biggest threat in Vizag

Jatin

Indian batters will have to be cautious against Nonkululeko Mlaba [Source: @BCCIWomen, @ProteasWomenCSA/x.com]Indian batters will have to be cautious against Nonkululeko Mlaba [Source: @BCCIWomen, @ProteasWomenCSA/x.com]

For all of India’s early dominance in the Women’s World Cup 2025, there is one nagging concern they simply can’t shake: their struggles against left-arm spin. From Sri Lankan spinner, Inoka Ranaweera’s four-wicket haul in the tournament opener to Pakistan's Sadia Iqbal’s tight, teasing spells in Colombo, India’s right-hand batters have looked far too unsure against that angle.

And now, as they get ready to cash with South Africa in Visakhapatnam, they will be up against the most dangerous of the lot: Nonkululeko Mlaba, a bowler who has made left-arm spin look like an art form.

Mlaba’s quiet destruction

Mlaba isn’t your typical finger spinner who just drifts through overs. She attacks with flight and angles that mess with even the most composed batters. Her recent figures of 4/40 against New Zealand came on a batting-friendly Indore pitch, where others were taken apart.

But Mlaba thrived by changing her pace smartly and using the crease cleverly. Her natural angle into the right-handers and her habit of slipping in the quicker one from around the wicket, has earned her plenty of LBWs and bowled dismissals, the kind that leave batters second-guessing every move.

Mlaba’s numbers tell their own story

There is a reason South Africa rate her so highly. In 2025 alone, Mlaba has played 10 ODIs, sending down 83 overs for 19 wickets at an average of just 20.89 and an economy of 4.78. 

Those are elite numbers but here is the kicker: 14 of those 19 wickets have been right-handers. That stat alone should worry India, whose almost entire batting order (Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh and Amanjot Kaur) bats right-handed. Mlaba thrives on that matchup.

Her angle from around the wicket draws the right-hander forward and the quicker one that straightens can beat even the best on the inside edge. She has dismissed top-order players worldwide the same way: flight, dip and a late skid that leaves batters playing for turn that never comes.

The matchup headache for India

The real danger for India isn’t just Mlaba’s accuracy, it is her ability to choke the scoring rate. Against teams that like to play off the back foot, she keeps a teasing length that tempts drives but rarely offers room.

Once the field spreads out, she works her overs like a chess player: a tight arm ball, a slower one that grips and just when you think she is predictable, she fires one in quicker.

India’s batters have already shown signs of struggle against this style. Against Sadia Iqbal, India’s run rate dipped below 3.5 for nearly six overs in the middle phase. In both of their previous matches, the scoring rate between overs 10 and 35 has hovered under five. Mlaba’s control could turn that middle-overs drag into a full-blown collapse.

Visakhapatnam’s surface, known for its low bounce and turn later in the day, will only add to India’s worries. If Mlaba gets some purchase early on, India’s right-handers could be caught on the crease, second-guessing which way the ball will go.

The key battle in the middle

For skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, this matchup might define the game. Mlaba will likely target her from ball one by drawing her across and testing her patience. Jemimah Rodrigues, known for her delicate touch and use of angles, will need to find gaps early to break Mlaba’s rhythm. Harleen Deol, who often gets bogged down against spin, must find ways to rotate the strike or risk letting pressure pile up.

One way India could fight back is by using the sweep and reverse-sweep more effectively as these are shots that can disrupt Mlaba’s length. Stepping out to smother the spin could also work but timing will be key. If India lets Mlaba bowl to her plan, she will happily choke them for runs until the wickets come.

What is at stake in Vizag

This is not just another group game, it is India’s first big test against a top-four side. Mlaba will walk in knowing that half of India’s lineup plays right-handed and that conditions will work in her favour.

For India, the challenge will be to prove they have learned from their earlier stumbles. If they can see off Mlaba’s spell without damage, they will open the door to a strong total. But if they allow her to dictate terms, this contest could go South Africa’s way before the second drinks break.

Nonkululeko Mlaba is the exact kind of opponent India have struggled against for months. The match in Vizag might just come down to one question: 

"Can India Women finally crack the left-arm spin code? "

Because if they can decode Mlaba’s spin web, it will be a sign that this Indian team can adapt, evolve and handle the heat when it truly matters.