South Africa took a big leap towards Women’s World Cup 2025 semis with a crushing 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka by DLS method at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This rain-affected match saw the Proteas secure their fourth consecutive victory, a remarkable turnaround after a shaky start to the tournament where they were bowled out for a mere 69 in a 10-wicket defeat to England.
South Africa hammer Sri Lanka by 10 wickets
The emphatic win propelled South Africa to second place in the points table. With eight points and a net run rate of −0.440, they have significantly boosted their chances of securing a semi-final spot. For Sri Lanka, however, the loss leaves them winless in the competition. They now face a daunting task, needing to win both of their remaining matches to keep their semi-final hopes mathematically alive.
Sri Lanka's innings immediately encountered difficulties. Opener Vishmi Gunaratne suffered an early setback when she was hit on her left knee by a sharp throw and required a stretcher to leave the field. Her replacement, Hasini Perera, failed to make an impact, being bowled by Masabata Klaas for just four runs. The poor run of form for captain Chamari Athapaththu persisted as she, too, fell to Klaas for a score of 11.
With the score at 46 for two in the 12th over, the match was interrupted by the recurring problem of rain in Colombo. The delay was significant, halting the game for a total of five and a half hours before play was finally able to resume at 9:10 PM IST.
Sri Lanka's reduced innings
With the match shortened to 20 overs a side following the rain delay, Sri Lanka faced the challenge of accelerating their run rate. Kavisha Dilhari (14) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (13) managed to put together a useful 26-run partnership for the third wicket. However, their efforts were quickly undone as both batters were dismissed in rapid succession: Dilhari fell to Nadine de Klerk, and Samarawickrama was accounted for by left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Showing remarkable resolve after being stretchered off earlier, Vishmi Gunaratne returned to bat. Her vital 34-run knock was the top score for Sri Lanka and proved instrumental in pushing the team total past the 100-run mark. A quick 18-run cameo from Nilakshi de Silva helped guide the team to a final total of 105 for seven. For South Africa, Mlaba was the standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 30 runs from her four overs, although the experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp went wicketless.
Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits lead SA's dominant chase with robust fifties
Chasing a revised target of 121 under the DLS method, South Africa launched their innings with a confident start. Opener Laura Wolvaardt was immediately in complete control, using her footwork effectively to drive the Proteas to 25 without loss in the powerplay. She signaled her intent early with a crisp boundary off Malki Madara and followed up with back-to-back fours off Sugandika Kumari. Wolvaardt ensured Sri Lanka had no opportunity for an early breakthrough, which was critical for their opponents to mount any form of comeback.
Meanwhile, Tazmin Brits, who was under pressure after consecutive ducks, regained her confidence with a towering six straight over the bowler’s head off Inoka Ranaweera. The powerful opening pair quickly consolidated their starts, achieving a half-century partnership off just 43 balls and consistently staying ahead of the required run rate. The 13th over proved decisive, as Wolvaardt and Brits effectively sealed Sri Lanka's fate, hammering 18 runs from Kavisha Dilhari's over with two boundaries each. Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on a match-winning 60 from 47 deliveries, reaching her fifty off 41 balls. Brits played a supportive yet aggressive knock, finishing on 55 runs, and emphatically concluded the chase by smashing a six off Piumi Watshala, securing the dominant 10-wicket victory.