South Africa overpower Sri Lanka in rain-shortened fixture
South Africa strengthened their claim for a top-four finish in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo. Chasing 105 in a rain-curtailed 20-over match, the Proteas batted with composure and precision, riding the early momentum provided by openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits to seal their fourth consecutive win of the tournament.
Dealing with the weather and setting the tone
After a weather delay reduced the game to 20 overs per side, Sri Lanka posted 105/7, a total that looked modest but required South Africa to approach with discipline. South Africa’s bowlers had earlier broken the Garden of early hopes, with Nonkululeko Mlaba stepping up to take 3 crucial wickets. Sri Lanka’s tail-end effort, led by Vishmi Gunaratne’s 34 (retired hurt earlier), kept the hosts within sight before Mlaba wrapped up the innings with a key strike at the death.
South Africa’s bowlers set the platform
South Africa’s Mlaba (3/30) was the standout with ball in hand, supported by Masabata Klaas (2/18) who struck twice in the powerplay. Klaas bowled Hasini Perera early while Mlaba struck again in the next over, removing Harshitha Samarawickrama. Nadine de Klerk also claimed a wicket, helping to derail Sri Lanka’s innings as the home side found runs at a premium after the initial breakthroughs.
Chasing with ease: Wolvaardt and Brits steer the chase
Wolvaardt and Brits lived up to the Proteas’ reputation for calm, methodical run-chases. Recovering from an early stutter in the powerplay (the pair had 25 runs in the first six overs), South Africa’s opening stand laid a solid foundation before accelerating. Wolvaardt reached her 37th ODI fifty, her second of the tournament, anchoring the chase with patient strokeplay. Brits, meanwhile, reached a stylish fifty with a six off the final delivery, sealing a flawless 10-wicket victory.
Key moments in the chase
The pair’s measured approach ensured no nerves crept in as pressure from the Sri Lankan attack dissipated. As the chase progressed, the Proteas rarely looked threatened, managing the required rate with room to spare. The successful chase also highlighted South Africa’s depth in the batting lineup, with the openers taking control and the middle order ready to finish the game when needed.
Sri Lanka’s innings in review
For Sri Lanka, Vishmi Gunaratne’s return to the crease after retiring hurt offered a glimmer of resistance, but the innings lacked partnerships after the early sensors. Dilhari and Athapaththu fell early to Klaas, complicating the chase. Sri Lanka’s approach, though aggressive at times, could not replicate the buoyant start they needed after Pakistani-style early breakthroughs. The rain delay and the 105-run target proved too steep to overcome given the Proteas’ clinical bowling and disciplined chase.
Implications and next steps
South Africa’s win strengthens their position in the standings, lifting them to second with eight points from five matches. The team has now recorded four victories in a row, all via chasing, underscoring their strength in building innings and finishing games under pressure. Sri Lanka, as hosts, will be aiming to convert late-overs momentum into a more consistent run of results as they seek their first win of the tournament.
Player spotlight
Nonkululeko Mlaba’s three-wicket haul underlined her importance in the Proteas’ bowling unit, while Laura Wolvaardt’s fifty demonstrated her capacity to anchor a chase with poise. Tazmin Brits’ fearless finish, culminating in a six for the win, added to her growing reputation as a finisher in limited-overs cricket.
