South Africa dominated Bangladesh in a rain-affected Women’s World Cup, securing a 150-run win via the DLS method on in Colombo. With this win, South Africa moved to the top of the points table with 10 points from six matches.
The fifty-over clash was reduced to 40 overs per side due to early rain. After being asked to bat first, South Africa made the most of the shortened game. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a fluent 90 off 82 balls, hitting 10 fours and two sixes. Sune Luus supported her well with a composed 61.
Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp then took over, smashing an unbeaten 68 from just 43 balls. Her aggressive knock included six boundaries and three sixes. Nadine de Klerk added the finishing touches with a fiery cameo, scoring 41 off just 16 balls, including three fours and four sixes. The brilliant effort from the Proteas duo lifted South Africa to a mammoth total of 312 for 9 in 40 overs.
Rain returned during Pakistan’s innings, forcing another reduction in overs. The match was eventually shortened to 20 overs, and Pakistan got a revised target of 234.
Kapp carried her form into the second half, striking early with the ball. She picked up three wickets for just 20 runs, reducing Pakistan to 35 for 4 within the first 10 overs. Pakistan never recovered from that collapse and could only manage 83 for 7 in their 20 overs.
With this win, South Africa not only secured their fifth straight victory in the tournament but also climbed above Australia and England to take the top spot on the table. Their final group-stage match will be against Australia.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s campaign came to an end with this loss. They have yet to win a match in the tournament and sit at the bottom of the table with just two points from six games, both from rain-abandoned matches. Their final outing will be against hosts Sri Lanka, and there are chance that it will also be affected by rain.
Brief Scores:
South Africa 312 for 9 in 40 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 90, Sune Luus 61, Marizanne Kapp 68 not out, Nadine de Klerk 41; Nashra Sandhu 3/45, Sadia Iqbal 3/63).
Pakistan: 83 for 7 in 20 overs (Marizanne Kapp 3/20, Nondumiso Shangase 2/19).