The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 witnessed a commanding performance from South Africa Women, who outclassed Pakistan Women by 150 runs in a one-sided encounter at Colombo. It was a clinical display from the Proteas, who first unleashed their batting firepower to post a mammoth 312/9 in 40 overs, and then backed it up with a disciplined bowling effort to stop Pakistan for just 83 runs for 7 in 20 overs to win by 150 runs (DLS).
With this emphatic win, South Africa Women climbed to the top of the points table, while Pakistan Women were officially eliminated from the tournament. The star of the evening was undoubtedly Marizanne Kapp, whose outstanding all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award.
Marizanne Kapp – 68* (43) & 3/20 (5)
Marizanne Kapp once again underlined her class and versatility with a match-winning all-round performance. With the bat, she blazed her way to an unbeaten 68 off 43 balls, studded with 6 fours and 3 sixes, at a blistering strike rate of 158.14. Walking in during the latter stages of the innings, she combined controlled aggression with sharp cricketing awareness to push South Africa well past the 300-run mark.
Her impact continued with the ball, as she dismantled Pakistan’s top order through a fiery spell of 5–0–20–3 with wickets of Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin and Aliya Riaz. Kapp’s precise seam movement and relentless accuracy ensured Pakistan never found momentum in the chase. Her contribution on both fronts epitomized South Africa’s dominance and reaffirmed her stature as one of the premier all-rounders in world cricket.
Laura Wolvaardt – 90 (82)
Leading from the front, Laura Wolvaardt set the tone for South Africa’s innings with a sublime 90 off 82 balls, featuring 10 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 109.75. Her technically elegant and composed knock anchored the innings after an early setback. Wolvaardt’s masterful timing and ability to rotate strike frustrated the bowlers, while her acceleration against spin and pace alike kept South Africa in control. Her strong 123-run stand with Sune Luus formed the backbone of the innings.
Sune Luus – 61 (59)
Sune Luus provided the perfect foil to her skipper with a fluent 61 off 59 balls, including 8 fours and 2 sixes. Coming in at a crucial moment, Luus showcased poise and control, ensuring South Africa didn’t lose momentum after the early wicket. Her balanced stroke play and intelligent running between the wickets made her partnership with Wolvaardt the turning point of the innings. Together, they laid the groundwork for the explosive finish that followed.
Nadine de Klerk – 41 (16)
Nadine de Klerk delivered the knockout punch with a whirlwind cameo of 41 off just 16 balls, smashing 3 fours and 4 sixes at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 256.25. Her clean hitting in the final overs completely shattered Pakistan’s bowling rhythm, adding vital runs that took the total beyond Pakistan’s reach. De Klerk’s fearless hitting was the perfect display of South Africa’s depth and aggressive intent.
Nashra Sandhu – 3/45 (8)
In an otherwise forgettable outing for Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu stood tall with a commendable spell of 8–0–45–3. She removed key batters — Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus, and Karabo Meso — with her crafty flight and turn, providing brief moments of relief for her side. Her consistency and control in the middle overs have been a silver lining in Pakistan’s campaign, even as the rest of the attack struggled to contain South Africa’s momentum.
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