Sri Lanka, led by skipper Chamari Athapaththu, desperate for their first win, ran into a rejuvenated South African unit, led by skipper Laura Wolvaardt, inspiring her side as they continue to script a remarkable turnaround with a hat-trick of victories in the ongoing edition of the Women’s World Cup 2025, heading into this encounter in Colombo.
The Proteas decided to test their bench strength, ringing in as many as three changes; Sune Luus made her way back into the side, replacing Anneke Bosch, the 18-year-old young wicketkeeper Karabo Meso made her World Cup debut, replacing Sinalo Jafta, and Nondumiso Shangase replaced Tumi Sekhukhune in the starting 11. Sri Lanka retained the same side that took the field in their previous game.
The unpredictable weather caught Sri Lanka off guard in Colombo
The Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and opted to bat first. The openers skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunarathne were looking confident at the crease. Vishmi Gunarathne suffered an unfortunate injury, as she got hit on her left knee, escaping all the protection, coming in the way of a vicious throw from the Proteas fielder. As a result, she had to be carried off the field on a stretcher for further treatment in the 5th over of the innings, bowled by Marizanne Kapp.
Sri Lanka were reduced to 46/2 in the 12th over, including the wicket of their skipper Chamari Athapaththu (11 off 25 balls) in the 10th over of the innings. Masabata Klaas ended another promising stay for the Sri Lankan skipper to provide the 2nd breakthrough for South Africa. The rains arrived yet again in Colombo, threatening to wash out the 3rd consecutive game at the venue in the ongoing 13th edition of the tournament.
The persistent nature of the rains ended up eating up over five hours of game time. However, kudos to the ground staff for all their hard work in ensuring the players get back on the field as soon as possible, the moment the rains halted. The game was eventually reduced to 20 overs per side. The Chamari Athapaththu-led side, having already played 12 overs, had eight overs in their bank to post a competitive total once the game resumed.
Kavisha Dilhari joined Harshitha Samarawickrama at the crease, and the duo came out with impressive intent, taking down the lead left-arm spinner for the Proteas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, for 10 runs in the very first over after the rain interval. Vishmi Gunaratne (34 off 33 balls) returned to bat and ended up being the top-scorer for her side. Sri Lanka posted a competitive score of 105/7 in their quota of 20 overs, scoring 59 runs in their last 8 overs of their innings.
Nilakshika Silva (18 off 17 balls) and Kavisha Dilhari (14 off 13 balls) chipped in with vital cameos with the bat for Sri Lanka. Nonkululeko Mlaba (4-0-30-3), Masabata Klaas (5-0-18-2), Marizanne Kapp (5-1-14-0), and Nadine de Klerk (4-0-23-1) were impressive with the ball for South Africa.
South African openers make light work of the run chase to extend winning streak
The target was revised to 121 and the South African openers Tazmin Brits (55* off 42 balls) and skipper Laura Wolvaardt (60* off 47 balls) took the opportunity to boost their net run rate, with the way they approached the run chase. The pair came out all guns blazing and guided South Africa over the line in the run chase with an unbeaten 125-run opening stand.
Tazmin Brits sealed the run chase in style with a maximum, to clinch a 10-wicket win with 31 balls to spare. The pair scored at a rate of over 8 runs an over. It was the 3rd consecutive instance when a South African batter sealed the game with a maximum. Nadine de Klerk did it on both the previous occasions against India and Bangladesh. The Laura Wolvaardt-led side has now equalled their maximum winning streak of four games on the trot in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup.
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt was awarded the Player of the Match for her impressive impact of 60* (47 balls) with the bat, as well as grabbing a couple of catches in the field. South Africa has climbed to the 2nd spot with 8 points from 5 games, almost having a foot in the semi-finals.
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