South Africa’s women’s cricket team defeated Sri Lanka in Colombo on Friday, overcoming both their opponents and difficult weather conditions to keep their World Cup semifinal hopes alive.
The Proteas chased down a Duckworth/Lewis/Stern (D/L) revised target of 121 runs without losing a wicket in a match reduced to 20 overs per side.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with an unbeaten 60 off 47 balls — her 37th half-century — while opening partner Tazmin Brits contributed 55 runs, sealing the victory with a six over midwicket.
Their 125-run opening stand was the pair’s best partnership of the tournament and a welcome boost as the competition moves into its final two weeks.
The match was interrupted by heavy rain that caused a more than five-hour delay, halting Sri Lanka’s innings after 12 overs. Despite the long break, the Proteas remained composed and efficient once play resumed.
Sri Lanka, who had chosen to bat first, were 46/2 when rain stopped play. Masabatha Klaas dismissed both openers early — bowling Hasini Perera with a fine delivery and trapping captain Chamari Athapaththu lbw for 11.
When play resumed, the Sri Lankans managed to add only seven more runs in their remaining eight overs as South Africa’s bowlers adapted to the wet conditions. Nonkululeko Mlaba, who took 3/30, and Nadine de Klerk tightened their grip late in the innings to restrict Sri Lanka effectively.
“It was very tough; the seam was wet, and I was struggling to grip the ball,” Mlaba said after the game.
Wolvaardt praised her team’s composure under pressure. “It was tough in the field, but the ball came on nicely when we batted. I just wanted us to avoid another close finish,” she said.
The Proteas reached their target with 31 balls to spare, hitting a total of 12 fours and two sixes. Wolvaardt was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.
With this victory, South Africa strengthened their position in the tournament, though rain remains a concern ahead of their next match against Pakistan at the same venue on Tuesday.
