KEY POINTS
- South Africa posted 312/9 in 40 overs
- Pakistan’s chase of 234 in 20 overs fell short, ending at 83/7
- With this defeat, Pakistan’s semi-final hopes are over
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: South Africa Women secured a dominant 150-run victory over Pakistan Women in a rain-affected match at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday.
The game, initially scheduled for 40 overs, was reduced to 20 overs for Pakistan due to the DLS method after rain interruptions, with the revised target set at 234 runs.
With this loss, Pakistan’s dreams of reaching the semi-finals have been dashed. Meanwhile, India and New Zealand are now eyeing the final spot in the semi-finals, to join Australia, England, and South Africa.
South Africa Women Post Strong Total
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, South Africa posted a competitive total of 312/9 in their allotted 40 overs.
The innings was anchored by captain Laura Wolvaardt, who top-scored with 90 runs off 82 balls, including 10 boundaries and 2 sixes.
Wolvaardt’s calm and composed innings helped stabilize the South African batting after an early setback, where opener Tazmin Brits fell for a duck, caught off Fatima Sana.
Sune Luus (61 off 59) played an equally important knock, adding 123 runs for the second wicket with Wolvaardt.
Marizanne Kapp (68 not out off 43), continuing her stellar form, accelerated the scoring in the latter stages, striking 6 fours and 3 sixes. Her innings was crucial in taking the total past 300, providing a solid foundation for the eventual victory.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Nashra Sandhu (3/45), fought hard, but struggled to contain the South African batters.
Sandhu’s efforts, along with the support of Sadia Iqbal (3/63), ensured that the Proteas did not completely runaway with the match.
However, it was clear that the total of 312 was always going to be a tough ask for Pakistan, especially under the DLS method.
Pakistan Women Fall Short in Chase
Set a revised target of 234 runs from 20 overs, Pakistan’s chase never quite gathered momentum. They were reduced to 83/7 by the end of their innings, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Muneeba Ali (5) and Omaima Sohail (6) fell early, with Marizanne Kapp (3/20) and Ayabonga Khaka (1/14) causing significant damage.
Sidra Amin (13) and Aliya Riaz (3) could not provide the required support, and the middle order collapsed under pressure.
Natalia Pervaiz (20) and Sidra Nawaz (22 not out) were the only batters to offer any resistance, but it was a case of too little, too late.
The South African bowlers were outstanding, with Kapp and Nondumiso Shangase (2/19) taking key wickets, while Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba also kept the pressure on throughout the innings.
Pakistan’s chances of a comeback evaporated as they were eventually bowled out for 83 with two balls to spare.
South Africa Win by 150 Runs
The match, decided by the DLS method due to rain interruptions, ended with a commanding victory for South Africa by 150 runs.
Their bowlers’ accuracy and Pakistan’s inability to chase down the revised target ensured that the Proteas took home the points in this high-stakes encounter.
Player of the Match
Marizanne Kapp was awarded the Player of the Match for her all-round performance, contributing a blistering 68* with the bat and taking 3 crucial wickets with the ball.
Score Summary:
South Africa Women: 312/9 (40 overs)
Pakistan Women (DLS Target: 234 in 20 overs): 83/7 (20 overs)
South Africa Women win by 150 runs (DLS Method)
