Proteas cruise into ICC Women’s World Cup semi-finals with commanding win

SOUTH Africa sealed their place in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-finals after completing a 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a rain-shortened match in Colombo on Friday.

The Proteas’ fourth consecutive victory came via the DLS method, extending their winning streak and cementing their position among the top two teams on the points table. With eight points from five matches, South Africa joined Australia as the first two sides confirmed for the knockout stages.

Wolvaardt and Brits make light work of chase

Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits powered South Africa to a flawless chase at the R Premadasa International Stadium. Set a target of 106 in 20 overs after rain delays, the pair guided the Proteas home with 31 balls to spare.

Wolvaardt brought up her 37th ODI half-century — her second of the tournament — while Brits sealed the victory in style, reaching her 50 with a six off the final delivery. Their composed partnership showcased the team’s depth and consistency after opting to field first earlier in the day.

Mlaba shines as bowlers tighten their grip

Sri Lanka, sent in to bat, managed 105/7 from their 20 overs. Nonkululeko Mlaba starred with the ball, taking three wickets to stall the hosts’ momentum. Nadine de Klerk also struck early, removing Kavisha Dilhari before Mlaba dismissed Harshitha Samarawickrama soon after.

Vishmi Gunarathne, who top-scored with 34 after returning from retiring hurt, was one of the few positives for the home side. However, wickets tumbled regularly, including three in the final over. Mlaba capped her spell by removing Gunarathne on the last ball of the innings, as South Africa’s bowlers maintained control throughout.

The victory positions the Proteas strongly ahead of their sixth league fixture against Pakistan on October 21, also in Colombo. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, face Bangladesh next in Navi Mumbai on October 20 as they search for a first win of the campaign.

The road to the semi-finals

With South Africa’s qualification confirmed, the race for the remaining two semi-final spots is intensifying.

Australia top the standings with nine points and an unbeaten record, having already beaten New Zealand, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Their win over India — chasing 331 runs, the highest successful chase in Women’s ODIs — highlighted their dominance, with Alyssa Healy scoring back-to-back centuries.

England, currently third with seven points, remain unbeaten after victories over South Africa, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, while the weather saved them against Pakistan. Their next matches against India, Australia and New Zealand will decide their final standing.

India sit fourth on four points with a strong net run rate and signs of progress despite losses to Australia and South Africa. New Zealand, also on four points, must win both remaining games against India and England to stay in contention.

Lower down, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan each sit on two points and now rely heavily on other results — and the weather — to keep their semi-final hopes alive.