South Africa chase 106 in rain-shortened WC25 clash
South Africa produced another clinical chase to extend their perfect record in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, defeating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in a rain-curtailed contest at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. With this win, the Proteas registered their fourth consecutive chase-win in the tournament, moving to eight points from five matches and climbing to second place on the standings. Sri Lanka, still seeking their first win, slipped to a third defeat in five games.
Set up by a disciplined bowling display
Chasing a modest 105/6 set by Sri Lanka after a rain interruption forced a 20-over-a-side game, South Africa’s bowlers had done the heavy lifting. Nonkululeko Mlaba spearheaded the success with 3 wickets, pinning Sri Lanka back after the hosts elected to bat first. The Sri Lankan innings never truly took off; Vishmi Gunarathne top-scored with 34 but received little consistent support as regular wickets kept the chase on a tight leash.
Openers seal the deal in style
Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits took charge in the chase, providing a calm yet assertive platform. The pair added 25 runs in the powerplay as South Africa laid a solid foundation before accelerating. Brits, in particular, finished the job in style, clearing the boundary for a fifty with a six off the final delivery and guiding the chase home with 31 balls to spare.
Key moments and turning points
Earlier in Colombo, South Africa had restricted Sri Lanka to 105/7 in 20 overs, with Mlaba striking crucial blows early. Sri Lanka’s middle order, including the returning Gunarathne, tried to anchor the innings, but the Proteas’ pressure paid dividends, ending with a late burst of wickets that kept the target within a manageable range after the rain delay.
Player highlights and records
Wolvaardt’s half-century marked her 37th ODI fifty, her second of the tournament, underscoring her consistency at the top of the order. Brits matched that efficiency with a stylish chase, sealing the win with a stylish boundary-filled fifty. Mlaba’s spell, backed by a strong fielding and bowling plan, underlined South Africa’s strength in depth in the bowling unit.
What this means for the tournament
The result boosts South Africa’s prospects as they prepare for their next assignment against Pakistan, scheduled for October 21 at the same venue. For Sri Lanka, the loss compounds their struggles as they seek a breakthrough win and aim to regroup for their upcoming fixture against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai on October 20. The match in Colombo also demonstrated how South Africa’s depth and clear game plan can convert pressure into efficient chases, a hallmark of their campaign so far.
Looking ahead
As the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 progresses, South Africa’s winning formula—tight bowling, a solid top order, and a calm, calculated chase—will be tested against tougher opponents. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need to convert chances and find form quickly if they hope to break their winless streak and mount a late surge in the group stage.
