South Africa won their fifth successive game, beating Pakistan by 150 runs under the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) system in a rain-hit Women’s World Cup game in Colombo. The dominant show ended Pakistan’s semifinal hopes and put South Africa at the top of the table.
The game, cut short to 40 overs each side, witnessed South Africa scoring a massive 312/9, thereby presenting Pakistan with a new target of 234 in 20 overs. As much as there were rain stops and more target adjustments, Pakistan could muster only 83/7, leading to a victory for South Africa.
South Africa’s Dominant Batting Sets Up Big Win
South Africa’s batting charge was spearheaded by an innings-building 90 off good cricket by Laura Wolvaardt. She was well-supported by forceful half-centuries by Sune Luus (61) and Marizanne Kapp (68*), while Nadine de Klerk chipped in with a 16-ball 41. The side’s 312/9 was founded on a strong base of solid partnerships and free-flowing shots in the later overs.
Following the loss of her opening partner, Tazmin Brits for a duck, Wolvaardt soon found her groove, scoring a boundary off the first ball and taking the game by the reins. South Africa’s batsmen did not let up even after a rain interruption cut short the overs.
Luus and Wolvaardt posted a fine 118-run second-wicket partnership as Luus completed her half-century off 55 balls. Wolvaardt soon followed, bringing up her own fifty, but fell just short of a century, stumped by Nashra Sandhu in the 30th over.
Marizanne Kapp then provided the perfect support, smashing a quick-fire 50, while Chloe Tryon added some vital boundaries. However, it was Nadine de Klerk who brought the fireworks in the final overs, launching a flurry of boundaries and sixes to take South Africa past 300 runs.
Her 38th and 39th over power-hitting, which involved two sixes in each of those overs, meant the team ended with a huge total after losing three wickets in the last over.
Pakistan’s Chase Falls Apart as Rain Interferes
Pakistan were in a tricky situation right from the beginning while batting second. Muneeba Ali scored a boundary off the first ball but got out later on to Ayabonga Khaka, attempting an unwise shot.
Sidra Amin was also offered several reprieves but did not seize the moment, pushing a Kapp delivery to the keeper. Pakistan’s middle order did not survive for long, with Omaima Sohail caught in front by Kapp and Aliya Riaz caught behind. Pakistan was reduced to 35/4 by the 10th over, with Kapp claiming three vital wickets.
More rain interruptions resulted in the target being changed multiple times, with the DLS approach reducing Pakistan’s target from 299 in 37 overs, to 270 in 27 overs, and finally 262 in 25 overs. In spite of the interruptions, the Pakistani batting team was unable to bounce back, as South Africa’s spin duo, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Nondumiso Shangase, maintained the pressure.
Shangase dismissed Natalia Pervaiz and Fatima Sana taking 2/19, while Kapp (3/20) was the most prominent bowler. South Africa’s spinners completed the remaining overs, and Pakistan’s pursuit was completed in only 20 overs as they were left stranded at 83/7.
Most Important SA vs PAK Women’s World Cup Match Performances
South Africa:
Laura Wolvaardt: 90 runs
Sune Luus: 61 runs
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Marizanne Kapp: 68* runs
Nadine de Klerk: 41 off 16 balls
Kapp (3/20) and Shangase (2/19): Picks with the ball.
Pakistan:
Sidra Nawaz: 22* (not out)
Marizanne Kapp: 3/20
Nondumiso Shangase: 2/19
Rain-Impacted Match: DLS Method Plays Key Role
The game was marred by sporadic rain, which considerably influenced the overall target calculations. The DLS formula was used several times, adjusting the target every time rain halted proceedings. Even after these changes, South Africa’s belligerent intent with both bat and ball guaranteed a result, and Pakistan could not overturn the adjusted target in their shortened 20 overs.
South Africa’s Journey to the Top of the Table
With this comprehensive win in the SA vs PAK Women’s World Cup match, South Africa reached the number one position in the points table. Their steady performance during the whole tournament, especially in this rain-affected game, has made them one of the leading teams. The team’s solid batting depth, along with tight bowling and fielding, has turned them into a strong team in the tournament.
