The weather once again played a big part in the match, with rain in a reduced-over match. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat, only facing 12 overs before the rain came down, with their score at 46 for 2.  

Masabata Klaas was ruthless with the ball for South Africa, dismissing both Hasini Perera (4 off 7) and captain Chamari Athapaththu (11 off 25).  Earlier, Vishmi Gunaratne was on track for a big score but was injured on 34 and had to be stretchered off the field.

When the rain finally stopped, Sri Lanka returned to hit 59 in eight overs, losing five wickets in the process. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the star of the session, taking three wickets for 30 runs. 

‘Target was adjusted up’

South Africa’s target was adjusted up from Sri Lanka’s final score of 105 for seven to acknowledge the hosts did not know they would only bat 20 overs for 60% of their innings.

South Africa’s opening pair, Laura Wolvaardt and Tamzin Brits, who have had a hugely disappointing tournament so far, then stepped up to the plate. The duo smashed their highest opening stand of this World Cup, finishing the job for South Africa in 15 overs, reaching the required 125 for victory without losing a wicket. Wolvaardt managed another sensational half-century (60 off 47 balls), while Brits put the first few matches out of her mind for a very respectable 55 off 42. 

One has to feel sorry for hosts Sri Lanka, who have two points from two washouts and are winless so far. South Africa will face Pakistan next on Tuesday in Colombo.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg