In a commanding display at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, South Africa Women secured a massive 150-run victory over Pakistan Women in a rain-affected match at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. The match, curtailed by weather interruptions, saw South Africa post their highest-ever World Cup total of 312/9 in 40 overs, setting Pakistan a challenging DLS-adjusted target of 234 runs from 20 overs. Pakistan’s chase faltered early, and they were eventually bowled out for 83 runs, leaving no doubt about South Africa’s dominance throughout the contest.
South Africa’s innings was anchored by captain Laura Wolvaardt, who’s brilliant 90 runs off 82 balls included 10 boundaries and 2 sixes. She was well supported by Sune Luus (61) and Marizanne Kapp (68*), whose crucial partnerships consolidated the innings after an early setback. Despite the initial rain delaying the start and reducing the match to 40 overs per side, the Proteas accelerated impressively in the late overs, with Nadine de Klerk unleashing a whirlwind 41 off just 16 balls to push the total beyond 300.
Pakistan’s bowling struggled under pressure, with captain Fatima Sana conceding 69 runs in her eight overs while lacking breakthroughs. South African batters took full advantage of some wayward lines and fielding lapses, especially in the middle overs, to build their imposing total. When Pakistan began their chase, Marizanne Kapp turned the tide immediately, taking three quick wickets to rattle Pakistan’s top order. They slipped to 35/4 in the tenth over before rain interrupted play once again.
After further delays, the game resumed with Pakistan facing a revised, steep DLS target in a shortened 20-over chase. The task proved insurmountable as the batting lineup struggled to build momentum. Only Sidra Nawaz (22*) offered some resistance, but most batters fell cheaply against disciplined South African bowling. Nondumiso Shangase’s double strike after the break further sealed Pakistan’s fate, and the innings ended with Rameen Shamim run out off the final ball.
South Africa’s victory marked their fifth consecutive win in the tournament, propelling them to the top of the points table with 10 points from six games. Their all-round performance, led by strong batting, clever bowling, and sharp fielding, highlighted their status as one of the teams to beat in this World Cup. Pakistan, on the other hand, faced their fourth heavy defeat and were effectively knocked out of contention for the knockout stages.
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