Women’s World Cup 2025: Pakistan out after rain-plagued loss to South Africa
Rain tried to steal the show in Colombo but could not outshine South Africa.
Wolvaardt’s team have shown they are unstoppable by batting second in this tournament, chasing 232 and DLS-adjusted 121 with ease against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, and expanding their batting depth with resilient comeback victories against Bangladesh and India.
But their only experience with goal setting didn’t go as planned. In their tournament opener against England, they lost five powerplay wickets and were subsequently bowled out for 69; which was her third-lowest total in the women’s ODI.
But with a place in the semi-finals assured, captain Wolvaardt was unperturbed by being asked to bat first in Colombo, welcoming the opportunity to “test ourselves” and putting England’s disappointment behind him. Luus explained that head coach Mandla Mashimbyi’s message was for batsmen to “go out and express themselves”. South Africa did both with aplomb.
Both Luus and Wolvaardt struck decisively; The former was sweeping for fun and the skipper was using his perfect timing to break boundaries. Kapp, who hit 50 off 37 deliveries, used his experience to seal the last 10 overs. The trio scored a total of seven half-centuries in this tournament.
Chloe Tryon contributed her 21st cameo before De Klerk’s fireworks display. The all-rounder, who scored a well-constructed unbeaten 84 against India earlier in the tournament, showcased his finishing skills and hit seven boundaries in 16 deliveries to help South Africa post 102 runs in the last 10 overs.
There are a few question marks in South Africa’s batting line-up – Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta and Anneke Bosch all struggled to score runs in the middle order – and Pakistan were sloppy in the field, dropping several catches and displaying poor ground fielding in the deep.
But with the defeat against England and many players in free-scoring form, their confidence will be high going into their final group match against Australia.
