South Africa are wearing black kit for their second women's ODI against England in Kingsmead, Durban, while England are wearing black armbands – here's why.
South Africa's players sported a black kit instead of their usual green one when they walked into the field in the second women's ODI. In the past, cricket teams have often done this for a cause. For instance, on Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) annual Pink Day, teams wear pink kits to spread awareness about breast cancer.
Today's ODI is a "dedicated Black Day match in support of the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and the Proteas will wear a black kit. It will be the fourth edition", a CSA press release confirmed. England have shown solidarity with the cause by wearing black armbands.
CSA launched their Black Day campaign to raise awareness for GBV and to support women in need. This year the match is being held on the 16th day of activism against GBV, which started on November 25 and will continue till December 10.
The Proteas Women stand united against GBV!
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) December 7, 2024
Tomorrow, we don’t just play for glory – we play to raise our voices for change. 🏏
Together, we can build a safer, stronger SA. 🖤🇿🇦
#EndGBV #AlwaysRising #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/lsYIfPz9no
The first Black Day ODI was played on January 23, 2021, against Pakistan in Kingsmead, the dedicated venue for the fixture. The campaign got off to a delayed start after the Covid-19 lockdown pushed it into limbo following its initial launch in April 2020.
The hosts enter the match with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. They have been asked to bat first, with captain Wolvaardt playing her 100th match in the format.
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