The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 finally saw a result at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, as South Africa Women clinched a resounding 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women. After two consecutive rain-affected matches at the venue, this contest produced a decisive outcome — and it was South Africa who made the most of the conditions with a clinical all-round performance.
Having restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 105/7 in 20 overs, South Africa got a DLS revised target of 121 from 20 overs. Their openers chased down the target effortlessly, reaching 125/0 in just 14.5 overs. The unbroken partnership between Laura Wolvaardt (60* off 47) and Tazmin Brits (55* off 42) sealed the result in emphatic fashion, while disciplined bowling efforts from Nonkululeko Mlaba (3/30 from 4 overs) and Masabata Klaas (2/18 from 5 overs) set the platform for victory. Captain Laura Wolvaardt’s sublime half-century earned her the Player of the Match award for leading from the front with grace and authority.
Nonkululeko Mlaba – 4–0–30–3
Nonkululeko Mlaba once again showcased her class as South Africa’s premier left-arm spinner, returning excellent figures of 4–0–30–3. She dismantled Sri Lanka’s middle order with precision, claiming the key wickets of Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Nilakshi de Silva. Mlaba’s clever changes in pace and subtle drift made scoring nearly impossible, and her spell ensured Sri Lanka’s innings never gained momentum. Her impactful bowling display was instrumental in holding the hosts to a below-par total of 105.
Masabata Klaas – 5–0–18–2
Masabata Klaas delivered a superb spell of seam bowling, picking up 2 wickets for 18 runs in 5 overs. Her early breakthroughs — removing Chamari Athapaththu and Hasini Perera — proved crucial in putting Sri Lanka on the back foot right from the start. Klaas’ consistent line and length, combined with her ability to generate seam movement, made her a constant threat with the new ball. Her disciplined performance at the top of the innings set the tone for South Africa’s dominant display.
Laura Wolvaardt – 60* (47)
Captain Laura Wolvaardt produced a masterclass in controlled aggression, leading her side to victory with an unbeaten 60 off 47 deliveries. Timing the ball beautifully, she struck 8 fours, maintaining complete composure throughout the chase. Her calm authority and technical brilliance ensured South Africa’s pursuit never faltered. With this innings, Wolvaardt not only guided her team to a flawless 10-wicket win but also showcased the hallmark of her leadership — consistency, poise, and elegance. Her match-winning knock rightly earned her the Player of the Match award.
Tazmin Brits – 55* (42)
Tazmin Brits provided the perfect support at the other end with a fluent and confident 55 not out off 42 balls, ensuring a dominant finish to the chase. Her innings included 4 boundaries and 2 sixes, reflecting her aggressive intent and superb shot selection. Brits’ ability to rotate strike and find boundaries regularly complemented Wolvaardt’s classical approach perfectly. Together, the duo added 125 runs for the opening wicket, registering one of the most convincing victories of the tournament and marking the first completed match at Colombo with an emphatic statement of dominance.
Loves all things female cricket