Women's World Cup 2025, Match 18 Review: South Africa set up comfortable victory in rain-curtailed game

South Africa Women produced a clinical performance to secure a 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka Women in a rain-affected encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. With this emphatic result, the Proteas not only climbed to the second position in the points table but also strengthened their chances of making it to the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. 

Both teams came into the fixture with contrasting fortunes, as South Africa were high on confidence after back-to-back wins, while Sri Lanka were still searching for their first victory, having had two previous games washed out. The weather in Colombo had been unpredictable throughout the day, and dark clouds once again played spoilsport. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to put runs on the board. However, after just 12 overs of play, heavy rain interrupted proceedings for nearly five hours. Once the skies cleared, the match was reduced to a 20-over-a-side contest. 

Sri Lanka were restricted to 105 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Vishmi Gunaratne top-scored with a 34 off 33 balls, while Nilakshika Silva (18) and Kavisha Dilhari (14) provided some support. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu struggled to contribute, managing only 11 off 25 deliveries. Masabata Klaas was brilliant with her spell, picking up 2 wickets for 18 runs, while Nonkululeko Mlaba was equally impressive with figures of 3 for 30. Nadine de Klerk also chipped in with a crucial wicket as the Proteas kept the Lankans on the back foot. 

Due to the rain interruption and the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) adjustment, South Africa were set a revised target of 121 in 20 overs. Openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, made the most of the dew conditions and scored runs at ease. Skipper, Wolvaardt, continued her sublime form, scoring an unbeaten 60 off 47 deliveries with eight boundaries. On the other end, Tazmin Brits smashed 55 off 42 balls as the duo added 125 runs in just 14.5 overs. Brits sealed the win with a six over midwicket.