South Africa claim a commanding 10-wicket win in Colombo
South Africa continued their impressive form in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, cruising to a 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo. Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits laid the foundations for a flawless chase after Sri Lanka were held to 105/6 in a rain-affected 20-over allotment.
South Africa’s innings: a steady foundation and a fast finish
The Proteas chased a modest total with confident precision. After the rain interruption, Wolvaardt and Brits looked untroubled, scoring 25 runs in the powerplay to set a steady tempo. Wolvaardt pressed her case for Player of the Tournament with a polished half-century, her 37th ODI fifty and her second of the ongoing event, while Brits reached her own half-century with a big six off the final delivery to seal the win.
Early momentum and the Sri Lankan resistance
In the first innings, South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Nonkululeko Mlaba (3/30), strangled Sri Lanka early. Two quick strikes in the powerplay, including Masabata Klaas removing Hasini Perera and Chamari Athapaththu, left the hosts reeling at 46/2 after 12 overs. Malawi-style pressure built from there as South Africa continued to strike at regular intervals, reducing Sri Lanka to 105/6 in 20 overs after a rain delay.
Key moments that turned the match
After the interruption, Mlaba and Klaas combined to dismantle the Lankan middle order. Mlaba’s bowling capped an excellent spell with three wickets, while Klaas bagged two crucial wickets at the top of the order. Nadine de Klerk also chipped in with a wicket, aiding a tight finish to Sri Lanka’s innings. Vishmi Gunaratne, Sri Lanka’s top-scorer after retirement hurt, stood tall for her side before eventually falling to Mlaba on the final ball of the innings as the hosts battled to post a defendable total.
South Africa’s bowlers set the tone
South Africa’s bowling unit executed a disciplined performance, restricting Sri Lanka to a sub-par total and building early pressure. De Klerk’s breakthrough over and Klaas’s early strikes in the powerplay set the tone, while Mlaba’s late flurry sealed the result. The bowlers showed why South Africa are a emerging force in women’s cricket, combining tight line and length with intelligent changes of pace to keep Sri Lanka on the back foot throughout the innings.
The chase: Wolvaardt and Brits seal the deal
Chasing 105, South Africa did not hurry. Wolvaardt anchored the innings with determination, while Brits accelerated when required and finally finished the match with a six, signaling their comfort in low-scoring chases. The pair combined for a composed, steady partnership, ensuring no dramatic wobble in a rain-shortened match and securing a comfortable ten-wicket win with more than six overs to spare.
Standout performers and the impact on the table
Wolvaardt’s fifty underscored her status as one of ODI cricket’s most reliable batters, while Brits demonstrated the finishing touch that makes South Africa a dangerous side in limited-overs formats. Mlaba’s three wickets highlighted a youthful, hungry attack that has become a real weapon for the Proteas in the World Cup. With this win, South Africa moved to eight points from five matches, consolidating second place and continuing their remarkable run of successful chases in the tournament.
What this means for Sri Lanka
For Sri Lanka, the defeat extends a difficult phase as they search for their first win in the tournament. The team will take heart from Gunaratne’s resilience and the brief signs of intent shown by their batting unit, but will need results in coming matches to climb the ladder in CWC25.
Looking ahead
South Africa’s clinical efficiency in this format bodes well for the remainder of the World Cup. If they can maintain the balance between sting in the bowling array and calm, methodical batting in reply, a deep run in the tournament appears within reach. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be aiming to turn around fortunes quickly as the group stage progresses.
