South Africa Dominates Pakistan by 150 Runs to Secure Fifth Consecutive Win at Women’s World Cup

South Africa dominated Pakistan by 150 runs in a rain-affected Women’s World Cup match, securing their fifth consecutive victory. Laura Wolvaardt led the charge with a commanding 90, helping South Africa reach a massive 312-9 in a reduced 40-over innings in Colombo. The city has experienced heavy rainfall in recent weeks, causing several matches to be abandoned and multiple rain interruptions during this game.

Pakistan struggled while chasing a revised target of 234 in 20 overs, finishing at 83-7. The loss eliminated Pakistan from semi-final contention, leaving them without a win in six matches. With Pakistan out, the semi-finals and final will be played in India. Sri Lanka co-hosted the tournament with India to provide a neutral venue for Pakistan’s matches, as matches between India and Pakistan are only played internationally on neutral grounds.

South Africa, alongside Australia and England, had already secured their place in the semi-finals before this match. Their innings started under challenging conditions, with early rain reducing the overs and forcing a long delay. After resumption, Wolvaardt and Sune Luus stabilized the innings with a 118-run partnership for the second wicket. Luus scored 61, including eight fours and two sixes, before being dismissed by Nashra Sandhu. Wolvaardt continued her fluent form, reaching her third half-century of the tournament before falling to Sandhu.

Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk accelerated the innings late, with Kapp remaining unbeaten on 68 and De Klerk hitting 41 runs off just 16 balls. Their powerful hitting pushed South Africa’s total past 300, marking the highest score by the team in a Women’s World Cup match.

Pakistan’s chase was hampered by early wickets and frequent rain interruptions, forcing multiple target revisions. Despite the ground staff’s efforts, Pakistan’s batters struggled to keep up with the challenging conditions and South Africa’s strong bowling attack, failing to cross 100 runs in the allotted 20 overs. This result confirms South Africa’s continued dominance in the tournament and Pakistan’s early exit from the competition.