Colombo: Pakistan’s Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign came to a disappointing end on Tuesday as they suffered a heavy 150-run defeat to South Africa in a rain-affected encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Chasing a revised target of 234 runs in 20 overs under the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method, the Green Shirts struggled to find momentum against a disciplined South African bowling attack, finishing at 83 for 7.
Sidra Nawaz top-scored for Pakistan with an unbeaten 22 off 33 balls, while Natalia Pervaiz added 20 runs from 24 deliveries. The pair shared a 31-run stand for the fifth wicket — Pakistan’s only significant partnership of the innings.
For South Africa, Marizanne Kapp delivered a stellar performance, claiming three wickets for 20 runs in her five overs. Nondumiso Shangase chipped in with two wickets, and Ayabonga Khaka took one to complete the rout.
The emphatic victory propelled South Africa to the top of the Women’s World Cup standings, with 10 points from six matches and a healthy net run rate of 0.276, securing their place in the semi-finals.
Wolvaardt, Kapp Lead South Africa’s Dominant Innings
Earlier, after being put into bat in a rain-curtailed 40-over match, the Proteas amassed a formidable 312 for 5, thanks to superb contributions from Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp.
Pakistan made an early breakthrough when captain Fatima Sana dismissed Tazmin Brits for a duck in the second over. However, after a lengthy rain delay, Wolvaardt and Suné Luus stabilized the innings with a 118-run partnership, both reaching well-crafted half-centuries.
Luus departed for 61 off 59 balls, but Wolvaardt continued to dominate, scoring 90 off 82 deliveries, including 10 fours and two sixes. After her dismissal in the 31st over, Kapp took charge, hammering an unbeaten 68 from just 43 balls with six boundaries and three sixes.
She was well supported by Nadine de Klerk, who added a quickfire 41 off 16 balls, propelling South Africa past the 300-run mark despite multiple rain interruptions.
For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu was the standout bowler with 3 for 45, while Sadia Iqbal claimed two wickets and Fatima Sana took one.
End of the Road for Pakistan
With the loss, Pakistan have officially exited the tournament, managing only one win in the group stage. Their campaign was marred by inconsistent batting performances and an inability to convert early bowling breakthroughs into match-winning positions.
As for South Africa, the comprehensive victory has boosted their confidence ahead of the semi-final stage, where they remain strong contenders for the title.
