South Africa beat Pakistan by 150 runs in a rain affected ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match, ending Pakistan’s semi-final hopes and taking the top spot in the standings.
Pakistan’s tough chase ends in defeat
Pakistan needed to chase a revised target of 234 runs in 20 overs after frequent rain delays. But they could only score 83/7.
Sidra Nawaz was Pakistan’s best batter with an unbeaten 22 off 33 balls. Natalia Pervaiz added 20 off 24 balls, and they shared a 31-run stand for the fifth wicket partnership.
South Africa’s bowlers bowled some extraordinary spells. Marizanne Kapp took three wickets for 20 runs in five overs. Nondumiso Shangase got two, and Ayabonga Khaka one.
This big loss officially knocked Pakistan out of the ICC women’s World Cup tournament.
South Africa’s big total sets the tone
South Africa batted first and made 312/5 in 40 overs after rain cut the game short. South African captain Laura Wolvaardt scored 90 off 82 balls with 10 fours and two sixes.
Another African batter Sune Luus added 61 off 59 balls, including 10 boundaries and two sixes. They built a key 118-run partnership.
Marizanne Kapp stayed not out on 68 off 43 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes. Nadine de Klerk smashed 41 off 16 balls with three fours and four sixes which sealed victory for South Africa.
Pakistan’s bowling duo Nashra Sandhu took three wickets for 45 runs, and Sadia Iqbal got two.
Standings boost for South Africa
The win gave South Africa 10 points from six matches, with a net run rate of 0.276, putting them at the top.
Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana took an early wicket to give Pakistan and early edge, dismissing Tazmin Brits for a duck. But rain and strong batting from South Africa turned the game.
This match at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo showed South Africa’s all-round strength, as they now lead the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 table.
