In the Pakistan vs South Africa Women’s World Cup 2025 match held at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, South Africa dominated from start to finish, crushing Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the semi-final. The Green Shirts suffered a massive 150-run defeat in a rain-affected game that saw multiple interruptions and a revised target.
Chasing a daunting total of 234 runs in just 20 overs under the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method, Pakistan struggled from the very beginning. Their batting lineup collapsed under immense pressure from South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack, managing to score only 83 runs for the loss of seven wickets.
Pakistan’s Struggles with the Bat
Pakistan’s batting order never found its rhythm throughout the Pakistan vs South Africa Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter. Wicketkeeper batter Sidra Nawaz emerged as the team’s top scorer with an unbeaten 22 off 33 deliveries, while Natalia Pervaiz contributed 20 off 24 balls. The duo added a small but respectable 31-run stand for the fifth wicket, providing a brief moment of resistance before South Africa regained full control.
The rest of Pakistan’s batting lineup failed to make any significant impact against South Africa’s bowlers. The pressure of chasing a steep total in shortened overs, combined with the pitch’s moisture from earlier rain, made shot-making extremely difficult.
South Africa’s Bowling Brilliance
South Africa’s bowling attack was relentless and precise. Marizanne Kapp led the charge with an exceptional spell, taking three wickets for just 20 runs in five overs. She was well-supported by Nondumiso Shangase, who picked up two crucial wickets, while Ayabonga Khaka claimed one. Their combined efforts ensured that Pakistan never came close to mounting a challenge.
This dominant display with the ball secured South Africa’s position at the top of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 standings with 10 points from six matches and a net run rate of 0.276.
South Africa’s Commanding Batting Performance
Earlier in the match, the Proteas had been put into bat after rain delayed the start and reduced the game to 40 overs per side. Despite the interruptions, the South African batting unit displayed composure and aggression in equal measure, amassing a massive total of 312/5 in 40 overs.
The Pakistan vs South Africa Women’s World Cup 2025 match began with Pakistan getting an early breakthrough when captain Fatima Sana dismissed Tazmin Brits for a duck. However, what followed was a dominant partnership between Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus, who added 118 runs for the second wicket. Both batters reached their half-centuries and put Pakistan’s bowlers under tremendous pressure.
Sune Luus scored a solid 61 off 59 balls, hitting 10 boundaries, including two sixes, before being dismissed by Nashra Sandhu. Wolvaardt, on the other hand, played a captain’s innings, top-scoring with 90 off 82 balls, featuring 10 fours and two sixes.
After the dismissal of Luus, South Africa briefly stumbled, losing Annerie Dercksen to a run-out for nine runs. But Marizanne Kapp stepped up once again, forming a crucial partnership with Wolvaardt before the latter was removed in the 31st over.
Kapp remained unbeaten on 68 off just 43 deliveries, an innings laced with six fours and three sixes. Her power-hitting in the final overs ensured South Africa crossed the 300-run mark despite the reduced overs. Nadine de Klerk also played a fiery cameo, smashing 41 runs from just 16 balls, including four sixes and three fours, propelling South Africa to an imposing total.
Pakistan’s Bowling Effort
For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets for 45 runs in her eight overs. Sadia Iqbal contributed with two wickets, while captain Fatima Sana picked up one. Despite their efforts, Pakistan’s bowlers were unable to contain the flow of runs as South Africa’s batters consistently found boundaries across all phases of the innings.
A Missed Opportunity for Pakistan
The Pakistan vs South Africa Women’s World Cup 2025 match highlighted the gap between Pakistan’s current form and the consistency required at the top level. With this defeat, Pakistan’s journey in the tournament came to an early end, leaving the team with lessons to learn ahead of future international competitions.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s comprehensive victory strengthened their campaign as they moved closer to securing a semi-final berth. Their performance in both batting and bowling departments demonstrated the depth and balance of their squad.
The Pakistan vs South Africa Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter will be remembered for South Africa’s clinical dominance and Pakistan’s missed opportunity to keep their semi-final hopes alive. As rain threatened to disrupt play, the Proteas remained composed, executed their plans perfectly, and walked away with a commanding win.
For Pakistan, it’s back to the drawing board as they reflect on missed chances and look to rebuild stronger for upcoming fixtures. For South Africa, however, the road ahead looks promising as they continue their pursuit of the Women’s World Cup title.
