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Sri Lanka, Oct. 23 — The South Africa Women’s team secured their fifth straight victory in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, beating Pakistan Women by 150 runs (using the DLS method) in a rain-affected group-stage game held at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday.

Following this win, South Africa moved to the top of the standings with 10 points (prior to yesterday’s England-Australia game), whereas Pakistan became the second team to be excluded from the semifinal competition.

South Africa, after being invited to bat first, scored 312 for 9 in 40 overs. Laura Wolvaardt (90), Sune Luus (61), and Marizanne Kapp (68 not out) played key roles in establishing a solid total.

In response, Pakistan was set a new target of 306 runs in 40 overs, but the South African bowlers took wickets early, leaving them at 35 for 4 after nine overs. Ayabonga Khaka took the first wicket, followed by Marizanne Kapp who claimed three wickets in two consecutive overs. However, rain halted the game again just one over later. After several interruptions, play restarted at 10:20 p.m., with Pakistan now aiming for 262 runs in 25 overs. But the match lasted only two overs before rain returned. When play resumed again at 10:40 p.m., Pakistan’s target was adjusted to 234 runs in 20 overs.

Pakistan lost three more wickets, scoring just 83 runs in their 20 overs, which led to a clear win for South Africa. Only Sidra Nawaz and Natalia Pervaiz reached over 20 runs, while Nondumiso Shangase took two wickets. Marizanne Kapp stood out with a performance of 3 for 20.

South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who was awarded Player of the Match for her outstanding all-around display (68 runs and 3/20), stated:

It was an excellent pitch to bat on, although I was slightly frustrated that we couldn’t complete the full 50 overs because of the rain delays. We had a great time out there. Captain Wolvaardt and Sune Luus created a strong foundation for us, which made it easier for us to come in and play freely. I took some time to get settled, and it was enjoyable. I actually prefer batting at number five – I like playing with the lower order. To be honest, I wasn’t very satisfied with my bowling; I felt I performed better in the previous games, but I was fortunate to take three wickets. Everyone has been bowling well, and I hope we continue to improve with every match.

Following the match, the South African athletes thanked the ground crew for their exceptional work in restarting the game several times despite intense rainfall. South Africa has now accumulated maximum points from both of their rain-affected games against Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium.