Colombo: South Africa delivered a statement win in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, thrashing Pakistan by a commanding 150-run margin in a rain-affected encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday. Despite intermittent showers, the Proteas maintained complete control, outclassing Pakistan in all departments to secure two crucial points in their group campaign.
Wolvaardt, Kapp Power South Africa To Huge Total
Batting first after rain reduced the match to 40 overs per side, South Africa posted an imposing 312 for 9 — a total that proved far beyond Pakistan’s reach.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with a stylish 90 off 82 balls, peppered with ten fours and two sixes. She found solid support from Sune Luus, who added 61 in a crucial 118-run partnership for the second wicket.
All-rounder Marizanne Kapp continued her rich vein of form, smashing 68 off 48 balls before later wreaking havoc with the ball. In the closing overs, Nadine de Klerk provided the fireworks, blasting 41 off just 16 deliveries — including four sixes — to propel South Africa past the 300 mark.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the run flow, with skipper Fatima Sana conceding 69 runs from her eight overs. None of the bowlers managed to build sustained pressure as the Proteas batters attacked relentlessly.
Pakistan Falter In Run Chase
Chasing a revised target of 234 in 20 overs under the DLS method after further rain interruptions, Pakistan crumbled early under South Africa’s disciplined bowling.
Kapp set the tone by removing three of the top four batters in quick succession. Pakistan slipped to 35 for 4 by the 10th over and never recovered, limping to 83 for 7 by the end of their innings.
Apart from a brief resistance from the middle order, there was little fight on display. The batting lineup faltered against the pace and precision of Kapp and the spin of Luus, who combined effectively to tighten the screws.
South Africa Rise To The Top
With this emphatic win, South Africa climbed to the top of the tournament standings with 10 points from six games, overtaking both Australia and England, who have nine points each.
The comprehensive victory not only boosts their net run rate but also reinforces their credentials as one of the favorites for the title. Pakistan, on the other hand, remain in the lower half of the table and face an uphill battle to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
What Lies Ahead
South Africa will next face New Zealand in a fixture that could further cement their semifinal spot. Pakistan, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly and address their batting vulnerabilities if they hope to stay in contention.
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