South Africa are already through to the semi-finals and will be looking to maintain their strong momentum. Pakistan, meanwhile, still have a very slim chance of reaching the semi-finals and will come out all guns blazing. 

They will need to win both of their remaining games, while a favour or two must go their way as well. For the Proteas, they have to face Pakistan on Tuesday, while their final group game in the stage will be against the defending champions, Australia, and they will be wanting to make a big statement in that match.

After losing by ten wickets to Australia in their opening game, the Proteas have done remarkably well to reach the knockout stage, and coach Mandla Mashimbyi said it’s down to his team backing themselves and buying into everything they have done to this point.

“It’s actually really good for us to qualify with two games to spare in the round-robin stage,” said the former Knights seamer.

“I think it just really showcased the character of this team. One would have thought after the first game we would be scratching our way to the semis, but the way we went about our business in the next four games was second to none.”

“You’ve got to give credit to the girls. I think they recognised the moment, they recognised their responsibilities, and the fact that we’ve had different people putting their hands up just shows what type of team we are.

“So yeah, we’re looking forward to that, but what’s important for us now is obviously our game on Tuesday against Pakistan.”

Mashimbyi said while they have achieved their first objective, it’s imperative that now is not the time to take their foot off the gas, as the next two games are vital in building momentum for the knockout stage.

“I think it’s important we understand how we want to play the next two games because that could give us the momentum needed for us to really become a force in the knockout stages.” 

Nonkululeko Mlaba took three wickets against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Photo: Cricinfo

“We know in the knockout stages it’s a bit of a lottery, but if you’ve got the right momentum and confidence with you, the chances are just a little bit higher than the rest of the teams.

“We just want to make sure we win these two games and go into the knockouts with the right momentum.”

There is light rain predicted for Colombo again on Tuesday, and like so many other games in the city during the 2025 World Cup, this may come into play.

Play between South Africa and Pakistan in Colombo is scheduled to start at 11:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg