In a match that will long linger in the memory of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, South Africa faced Pakistan in Colombo under grey skies and stern expectations. Rain threatened to spoil the rhythm, but the Proteas refused to be derailed — they delivered a performance that combined power, precision and purpose. The result: Pakistan were eliminated from semi-final contention and South Africa claimed the summit of the points table.
Batting brilliance sets the tone
Electing to bat after the toss, South Africa unleashed a batting onslaught in the shortened 40-over match. Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with a fluent 90, while Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp each posted brisk half-centuries in support.
Meanwhile, late-innings fireworks arrived courtesy of Nadine de Klerk, whose 41 off just 16 balls helped the total surge past the 300-mark. The side amassed 312 for 9 in their 40 overs — their highest ever tally in a Women’s World Cup. icc Eleven sixes in the innings underscored the aggressive mindset.
Bowlers close the door
Pakistan’s hopes were never given much breathing room. The early breakthrough by Ayabonga Khaka set the tone, and soon Marizanne Kapp returned to rip through the middle order. Pakistan’s batters never found consistent partnerships, and when rain arrived, the writing was on the wall.
By the time the revised target was applied under the Duckworth–Lewis‑Stern method, South Africa’s dominance was complete — Pakistan dismissed for 83/7 in 20 overs and a 150-run margin of victory registered.
Pressure, elimination and the climb to the top
For Pakistan, the defeat was crushing. They entered the match already winless in the tournament and under growing pressure. A loss here confirmed their exit from semi-final contention.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s fifth straight win cemented their status as one of the tournament favourites and lifted them to the top of the table with ten points from six games.
What this means moving forward
For South Africa, the challenge now shifts to consistency. They have sent a clear message: they can bat big, bowl incisively and remain composed even when weather intrudes. The rain-affected nature of the match adds complexity, but their adaptability was on full display.
For Pakistan, the task ahead is one of reflection — both on the inability to build innings and on how to counter teams that are dominating multi-facetedly. Their campaign ends in disappointment unless they can rediscover last-innings fight-back again.
