Top of the pile: Proteas continue World Cup resurgence with record win over Pakistan

HAVING your entire batting line-up dismissed for 69 in just 20 overs and four balls in a 50-over game, and then having your opponents effortlessly cruise to a win without the loss of a wicket, is embarrassing — and probably discouraging too.

Having this happen at a World Cup match makes it so much worse.

This exact scenario played out when the Proteas were pummeled by England in their opening encounter of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. At this point, things were not looking good, not at all.

However, in the wake of that game, something that former skipper Sune Luus said should have sent a vibration through the tournament. Reflecting on the days following the tough loss to England Women, Luus said the team could not afford to dwell on their disappointments, that they had to change their attitude and bring their A-game to save their World Cup campaign.

“It was the first game. We couldn’t be down in the dumps, so we just stayed positive and said it was a really bad day at the office,” Luus said.

 “That's not really the team we are and we want to be. So, the next game we just had to be at 100%, change attitudes, come with a positive intent, and just play some good cricket.”

Since then, they’ve done exactly that. The Proteas have climbed to the top of the standings with 10 points from six games after securing five straight wins — their latest a crushing 150-run DLS victory over Pakistan in Colombo.

Wolvaardt leads the charge

After Pakistan captain Fatima Sana chose to bowl, South Africa launched into a record-breaking assault, posting 312/9 in 40 overs — their highest-ever Women’s World Cup total.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a sparkling 90, while Sune Luus (61) and Marizanne Kapp (68 not out) steadied the innings through composed partnerships that built momentum after an early rain delay.

When Nadine de Klerk entered at 253/6 in the 36th over, she ignited the finish — smashing 41 off 16 balls with three fours and four sixes as the Proteas powered past 300. South Africa’s innings included 11 sixes, the most by any side in this year’s tournament.

Kapp delivers again with the ball

Any hopes of a Pakistan chase evaporated almost immediately. Ayabonga Khaka struck in the second over before Kapp (3/20) produced a devastating burst that tore through the top order, trapping Omaima Sohail LBW and dismissing Sidra Amin and Aliya Riaz in quick succession.

Persistent rain interruptions failed to derail South Africa’s dominance as Nondumiso Shangase (2/19) and Khaka (1/14) tightened the screws. Pakistan eventually finished on 83 for 7 in 20 overs, sealing a 150-run win under DLS.

A statement of intent

The result not only knocked Pakistan out of contention but also confirmed that the heavy loss to England was, as Luus said, “a really bad day at the office.” The five-match streak since has showcased the Proteas’ true capability and composure — qualities that now have them sitting proudly at the top of the World Cup table heading into their final group clash against Australia.

Match Summary

South Africa vs Pakistan (R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

South Africa 312/9 from 40.0 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 90, Marizanne Kapp 68*; Nashra Sundhu 3/45, Sadia Iqbal 3/63)

Pakistan 83/7 from 20.0 overs (Sidra Nawaz 22*; Natalia Parvaiz 20; Marizanne Kapp 3/20, Nondumiso Shangase 2/19)

RESULT: South Africa won by 150 runs (DLS method).