ICC Women’s World Cup: Kapp, Wolvaardt star as South Africa crush Pakistan to storm into semifinals
Marizanne Kapp’s all-round brilliance and Laura Wolvaardt’s classy 90 powered South Africa Women to a commanding 150-run win (via DLS method) over Pakistan in a rain-affected ICC Women’s ODI World Cup clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The emphatic victory — South Africa’s fifth consecutive win — lifted them to the top of the points table and confirmed Pakistan’s elimination from the tournament. It also marked a new milestone for the Proteas, who registered their longest winning streak (five matches) in ODI World Cup history, surpassing their 2022 record of four straight wins.
Opting to bowl first, Pakistan struck early when Fatima Sana dismissed Tazmin Brits for a duck in the second over. However, persistent rain caused multiple delays, with the match eventually reduced to 40 overs per side. Once play resumed, South Africa took control through a fluent 118-run stand between Wolvaardt and Sune Luus. Both batters reached half-centuries before Luus (61) fell to Nashra Sandhu, who later ended Wolvaardt’s elegant innings at 90. Sandhu finished with 3 for 45, while Sadia Iqbal chipped in with 3 for 63.
Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, South Africa’s innings gained late momentum thanks to a blistering 52-run partnership between Kapp and Nadine de Klerk. Kapp’s unbeaten 68 off 43 balls and de Klerk’s rapid 41 from 16 deliveries helped the Proteas post a formidable 312 for 9. Pakistan were set a revised target of 306 in 40 overs after DLS adjustments.
The chase began disastrously for Pakistan, as Ayabonga Khaka and Kapp tore through the top order. Kapp’s fiery spell (3/20) dismantled any hopes of resistance, reducing Pakistan to 35 for 4 within nine overs.
Frequent rain interruptions further hampered Pakistan’s chase, with the target repeatedly revised — eventually to 234 in 20 overs. When play finally resumed, South Africa’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, restricting Pakistan to 83 for 7.
Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu were the only positives for Pakistan on a day dominated by the Proteas.
Brief scores:
South Africa 312/9 in 40 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 90, Marizanne Kapp 68*; Sadia Iqbal 3/63, Nashra Sandhu 3/45)
Pakistan 83/7 in 20 overs (Sidra Nawaz 22, Natalia Pervaiz 20; Marizanne Kapp 3/20, Nondumiso Shangase 2/19)
Result: South Africa Women won by 150 runs (DLS method).
