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Cricket

Proteas move to top at Cricket World Cup

───   MORGAN PIEK 08:10 Wed, 22 Oct 2025

Proteas move to top at Cricket World Cup | News Article
Marizanne Kapp. Photo: Cricinfo

The Proteas Women have moved to the top of the log, for now, at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup after a massive 150-run win (DLS method) against Pakistan in Colombo.

Rain interrupted play several times, affecting Pakistan far more than South Africa, and in the end, the subcontinental side faced an uphill battle. South Africa batted first and, in their allotted 40 overs, racked up a huge 312/9.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt, who has rediscovered her form with the bat, scored 90 off 82 balls, while Tazmin Brits registered her third duck.

Laura Wolvaardt in the rain. Photo: Cricinfo

Suné Luus chipped in with a solid 61 off 59, while Marizanne Kapp smashed an unbeaten 68 from 43 balls. Nadine de Klerk once again impressed with a rapid 41 off just 16 balls.

Nashra Sandhu still managed 3/45 in 8 overs, while Sadia Iqbal claimed 3/63.

Due to more rain breaks, Pakistan were set a near-impossible target of 234 from 20 overs for victory.

Wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz top-scored with 22, while Natalia Pervaiz made 20 as Pakistan were restricted to 83/7 in their 20 overs. Kapp rounded off her brilliant day with 3/20 in 5 overs, and Nondumiso Shangase took 2/19 in four.

Kapp said that although rain had been part of their last two matches, the Proteas enjoyed some luck but ensured they took their chances.

“Yeah, definitely lucky to be getting on the park and finishing our games,” said the star all-rounder.

Nondumiso Shangase is pumped after getting rid of Fatima Sana, Pakistan vs South Africa, Women's World Cup, Colombo, October 21, 2025

Nondumiso Shangase. Photo: Cricinfo

“It was a bit tight today with the rain there, but just lucky that it wasn't rained out.” The Proteas veteran added that their recent success, five wins on the trot, comes down to different players stepping up each time rather than relying on just one or two.

“I think that's the beauty of this World Cup. You don't only rely on one person,” she said.

“It’s been different people, like you said, putting up their hands. So that’s always good. At least now everyone’s had a good hit-out, everyone’s had a good bowl. It feels like we’re just getting better as we go.”

Fatima Sana dismissed Tazmin Brits for a duck before the rain break, Pakistan vs South Africa, ICC Women's ODI World Cup, Colombo, October 21, 2025

Fatima Sana celebrating the dismissal of Tazmin Brits for a duck. Photo: Cricinfo

Kapp added that their heavy defeat to England earlier in the campaign was a wake-up call and a blessing in disguise. “We were very disappointed with that performance against England,” she said.

“We felt that leading up to this World Cup, our preparation was very good. Luckily, we turned it around quickly. And again, it’s about the goals and hard work we’ve put in behind the scenes. That’s the beauty of this team, we’re not relying on one person, and more players are starting to click and deliver.”

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, defending champions Australia take on England, with the winner set to move to the top of the log. Play is scheduled to start at 11:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh  

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