New Delhi: In a rain-soaked thriller at R Premadasa Stadium, South Africa delivered a crushing 150-run victory over Pakistan in the 22nd match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, propelling the Proteas to the top of the points table while slamming the door on Pakistan’s semifinal dreams.
The clash, repeatedly interrupted by downpours, was reduced multiple times under Duckworth-Lewis-Stern rules, but South Africa’s explosive batting firepower proved insurmountable, underscoring their dominance in the tournament’s midway point.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan watched helplessly as South Africa rebuilt from an early stumble at 5/1 to post a formidable 312/9 in 40 overs. Opener Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with a brisk 90 off 85 balls, laced with 10 fours and two sixes, while Suné Luus contributed a solid 61. Marizanne Kapp’s blistering 68 off 43 balls and Nadine de Klerk’s late fireworks — 41 off 16— pushed the total beyond reach. Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal shone with 3/3 figures each, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide.
Chasing a revised 234 in 20 overs amid further interruptions, Pakistan crumbled to 83/7, with only Nida Dar (19) and Sidra Nawaz (18) offering resistance. The capitulation marked their fourth loss in six outings — no wins, two washouts — leaving them mathematically eliminated from semifinal contention, languishing at the bottom with zero points.
South Africa, now unbeaten in five of six matches (10 points), leapfrogs Australia into first place, their net run rate surging to +1.45. As the tournament intensifies, with Australia and England also eyeing knockouts, Pakistan’s early exit serves as a stark reminder of the fine margins in women’s cricket’s marquee event.