South Africa outshine Sri Lanka, record fourth win in CWC25

South Africa openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits powered the team to a flawless chase in their ICC Women's World Cup 2025 clash against Sri Lanka, sealing a 10-wicket win in a rain-curtailed clash at the R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo on Friday.

The result was South Africa’s fourth consecutive win in the tournament, all coming through successful chases, as they delivered another fine performance to move to second on the points table with eight points from five outings. Meanwhile, hosts Sri Lanka who were still searching for their first win, slumped to their third defeat in five games.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 105/6 in 20 overs after a rain delay had reduced the match to a 20-over-a-side contest.

In reply, Wolvaardt and Brits made the chase look effortless, laying a steady foundation with 25 runs in the powerplay before shifting gears and wrapping up the game with 31 deliveries to spare.

Player of the Match Wolvaardt (60* off 47 balls; 8x4) brought up her 37th ODI half-century, her second of the tournament, while Brits (55* off 42 balls, 4x4, 2x6) sealed the win in style, reaching her fifty with a six off the final delivery.

In the first innings, Nonkululeko Mlaba starred with the ball, picking up three wickets (3/30) as South Africa restricted Sri Lanka to 105/7 in 20 overs, with the help of Masabata Klaas (2/18).

Vishmi Gunarathne (34), who had earlier retired hurt, returned to the crease and top scored for Sri Lanka before falling on the final ball of the innings. However, she found little support from the other end as wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals.

Before the rain interruption, South Africa had kept Sri Lanka in check at 46/2 after 12 overs.

Soon after play resumed, South Africa made early inroads in just the second over. Nadine de Klerk struck first, dismissing Kavisha Dilhari on the final ball of her over as the batter was caught out. Off the very next ball, Mlaba removed Harshitha Samarawickrama, who miscued her shot and was caught soon after.

After the dismissals of Dilhari and Samarawickrama, Gunarathne anchored the innings and took charge. However, mounting pressure from the Proteas saw the hosts lose momentum late in the innings with three wickets falling in the final over.

Nilakshika de Silva was caught in the deep and later, Anushka Sanjeewani was run out while trying to complete a second run. Mlaba then capped off an excellent spell by removing Gunarathne, who edged one to the keeper while attempting a big shot.

The win for Proteas puts them in good stead ahead of their sixth match of the league stage against Pakistan on Tuesday at the same venue. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will face off against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai on Monday.

Proteas Women Squad

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase and Chloé Tryon.

Travelling Reserve

Miané Smit

Management

Mandla Mashimbyi (Head Coach), Sedibu Mohlaba (Team Manager), Claire Terblanche (Assistant Coach), Baakier Abrahams (Batting Coach), Dillon du Preez (Bowling Coach), Bongani Ndaba (Fielding Coach), Zane Webster (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Abram Ramoadi (Performance Analyst), Neline Hoffman-Kellerman (Physiotherapist), Dr Tshegofatso Gaetsewe (Team Doctor), Happiness Mesi (Logistics and Massage Therapist), Lita Gqirana (Media Manager) and Zahid Shaik (Close Protection Officer).

Fixtures - ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

Friday @ 11.30am - South Africa v England (Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati) - England won by 10 wickets

Monday @ 11.30am - South Africa v New Zealand (Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore) - SA won by six wickets

Thursday @ 11.30am - South Africa v India (ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam) - SA won by three wickets

Monday @ 11.30am - South Africa v Bangladesh (ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam) - SA won by three wickets

Friday @ 11.30am - South Africa v Sri Lanka (R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo) - SA won by 10 wickets (DLS)

Tuesday @ 11.30am - South Africa v Pakistan (R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)

Saturday, 25 October @ 11.30am - South Africa v Australia (Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore)

Wednesday, 29 October @ 11.30am - Semi-final 1 (TBC)

Thursday, 30 October @ 11.30am - Semi-final 2 (Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai)

Sunday, 2 November @ 11.30am - Final (TBC)