Earlier in the week, their warm-up match against Bangladesh was declared a no-result due to rain, also in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it was crucial for South Africa to return to winning ways and build momentum – especially after losing the third and final One-Day International to Pakistan by six wickets in Lahore.

Pakistan batted first and were bundled out for 229 runs in 46 overs, despite a solid 64 off 75 balls from captain Fatima Sana. Sidra Amin added 37, while wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz chipped in with 35.

Anneke Bosch. Photo: Cricinfo

South Africa, in turn, used no less than ten bowlers in the warm-up match, with Botshabelo-born medium-pacer Masabata Klaas the pick of the bowlers, taking 2/26 in her five overs. Seamer Ayabonga Khaka contributed 2/40 from her five-over spell.

In reply, Anneke Bosch scored a lively 58 off 59 before retiring hurt, while allrounder Suné Luus made 54 off 68 as South Africa chased down the target with 59 balls to spare.

Seasoned allrounder Chloe Tryon played a handy 45 not out off 39 balls, while Nadine de Klerk cruised at a run-a-ball for her 22. For Pakistan, Diana Baig took 2/32 in six overs, though five wides hurt her figures, even though she was the tourists’ most successful bowler.

Following the win, Luus said it was important to claim the victory, get some valuable match practice, and build the team’s confidence ahead of the World Cup – especially with England waiting in their opening game in India.

“It went pretty well,” said Luus.

“It was a bit of a stop-start match with people retiring hurt and all, so it’s probably not a true reflection of a normal game. But we just wanted to focus on the basics today and get that right. 

“I think our bowlers did a good job, especially at the death when the pressure is on and batters just want to go. That part went well.

Chloe Tryon. Photo: Cricinfo

“With the bat, after losing three quick wickets, it was great how Anneke and I could build a partnership and take it deep. And then Chloe and Nadine came in to finish the job. That was really important before our first match.

“You always want to go into a World Cup as confident as possible, and today was a good opportunity to bat for long periods without too much pressure, making sure we got the team over the line.”

The Proteas now travel from Colombo to Guwahati, India, where they will face the Three Lionesses of England on Friday in their opening World Cup match.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek