When ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 rolled into its 21 October clash at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, the Proteas Women of South Africa turned a rain‑soaked day into a 150‑run win over Pakistan via the Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern method. Laura Wolvaardt, the opening batter, smashed 90 runs, while all‑rounder Marizanne Kapp added 68 and claimed three wickets. The result not only sent South Africa soaring to the top of the table with 10 points from six games, it also erased Pakistan’s hopes, leaving them winless and out of the tournament.
Match Overview and Key Performances
The toss was won by Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana, who elected to bowl first. That gamble backfired spectacularly. The Proteas piled up 312 for 9 in a rain‑shortened 40‑over innings – the highest total in World Cup history for the side.
Opening the batting, Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with a poised 90, striking 12 fours and a six. Her partner Marizanne Kapp arrived at the crease in the 23rd over and, after a brisk 68, turned the ball over with figures of 3 for 20, dismantling Pakistan’s top order.
Fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka was the only change in the line‑up and repaid the selectors instantly, snagging a wicket with her very first delivery – Muneeba Ali’s mistimed pull was caught on the mid‑on boundary. The other bowlers – Marizanne Kapp (3/20) and Nondumiso Shangase (2/19) – kept the pressure relentless, bowing Pakistan out for 83 for 7 in 20 overs.
Rain Disruptions and DLS Calculations
Colombo’s monsoon mood turned the day into a cat‑and‑mouse game with the umpires. After the Proteas set a 312‑run target, rain halted play, prompting the first DLS revision to 299 in 37 overs. A second downpour knocked the chase down to 270 in 27 overs, and a third cut it further to 262 in 25 overs. When a brief two‑over window opened, Pakistan managed 83 for 7 before the heavens opened again, sealing a final revised target of 234 in 20 overs – a figure they never approached.
Sidra Nawaz, the lone bright spot for Pakistan, scored an unbeaten 22, but was left stranded as the rain‑adjusted scoreboard waved a final red flag on the 20‑over mark.
Reactions from Teams and Experts
South Africa’s head coach, Graham Ford, praised the batting depth: “Wolvaardt’s innings set the tone, and Kapp’s all‑round display shows why we’re here to win.” The Proteas’ official Twitter handle (@ProteasWomenCSA) celebrated the victory, highlighting the “clinical bowling spell that turned a tricky rain‑affected day into a statement win.”
Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana, reflecting after the match, said, “We mis‑read the conditions and the pitch. The rain made it difficult, but we’ll take the lessons forward.” Cricket analyst Haroon Rasheed noted, “Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Sadia Iqbal (3/63) and Nashra Sandhu (3/45), showed flashes of quality, but the batting collapse was too costly in a DLS scenario.”
Implications for Tournament Standings
The win pushed South Africa to the summit of Group A with 10 points, securing a place in the Super Sixes. Their five‑match winning streak now includes victories over India, England, and New Zealand earlier in the tournament.
Conversely, Pakistan’s defeat confirmed their elimination. With zero points from four games, they finish at the bottom of the table, joining the ranks of teams that have struggled to adapt to sub‑continental conditions and unpredictable weather.
Looking Ahead: Future Fixtures
South Africa’s next challenge arrives on 28 October when they face Australia at the same venue. Coach Graham Ford hinted at a “balanced line‑up” and emphasized the need to keep the momentum against a powerhouse opponent.
Meanwhile, Pakistan will regroup back home, focusing on the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup qualifiers in October 2026. The board has promised a review of preparation methods, especially concerning pitch‑assessment skills under variable weather.
- Key Facts:
- Event: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025
- Date: 21 October 2025
- Location: R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
- Result: South Africa win by 150 runs (DLS)
- Top performers: Laura Wolvaardt 90, Marizanne Kapp 68 & 3/20, Ayabonga Khaka 1/14
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect South Africa’s chances in the World Cup?
The win lifts South Africa to the top of Group A with 10 points, guaranteeing a spot in the Super Sixes. Their unbeaten record also gives them a psychological edge heading into the knockout stages.
Why did Pakistan’s captain choose to bowl first?
Fatima Sana believed the damp pitch would aid seam movement, hoping early wickets would restrict South Africa’s scoring. The plan backfired as the Proteas adapted quickly and built a massive total.
What role did the weather play in the final result?
Heavy rain caused three DLS revisions, shrinking Pakistan’s chase to 234 in 20 overs. The interruptions also disrupted Pakistan’s rhythm, leading to a premature end to their innings.
Who were the standout bowlers for South Africa?
Marizanne Kapp led with 3/20, Ayabonga Khaka claimed a vital early wicket, and Nondumiso Shangase added 2/19. Together they bowled Pakistan out for just 83 runs.
What are Pakistan’s next steps after elimination?
The Pakistan board will focus on rebuilding ahead of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers, emphasizing batting depth and improving rain‑play strategies.
Posts Comments
Arundhati Barman Roy October 21, 2025 AT 22:30
The performance of Laura Wolvaardt was simply breathtaking, yet the article fails to capture the underlying struggle faced by the team and the emotional weight they carried onto the field.
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