Sports Desk | Colombo | October 22, 2025
Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup came to a disappointing end on Tuesday after suffering a 150-run loss (DLS method) to South Africa in a rain-hit encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Skipper Fatima Sana’s side, needing a win to stay in contention, were outplayed in all departments as the Proteas piled up 312-9 in just 40 overs. Persistent rain interruptions led to multiple target revisions under the DLS method, with Pakistan eventually facing a daunting chase of 234 runs in 20 overs.
The Green Shirts never found momentum, collapsing to 83-7 in the face of disciplined South African bowling. Only wicket-keeper Sidra Nawaz offered brief resistance, remaining unbeaten on 22.
“Today was the day our bowlers didn’t perform well. We have to accept that,” Fatima said after the match. “The conditions were difficult after the rain — the ball was wet, and it was hard to find rhythm.”
Earlier, after Pakistan opted to field first, Fatima struck early by removing Tazmin Brits for a duck. However, South Africa quickly took control as skipper Laura Wolvaardt (90) and Sune Luus (61) shared a commanding 118-run stand for the second wicket.
The onslaught continued with Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk powering South Africa past the 300-run mark. De Klerk’s explosive 41 off 16 balls, featuring three sixes, sealed South Africa’s record total in the tournament.
For Pakistan, Marizanne Kapp was equally effective with the ball, claiming 3-20 as Pakistan’s top order faltered once again.
With this defeat, Pakistan have officially crashed out of the tournament. Their rain-affected matches against England and New Zealand earlier in the week had already dented their semi-final hopes.
The Green Shirts will conclude their campaign against co-hosts Sri Lanka on Saturday — a dead rubber following this latest setback.
South Africa’s win, meanwhile, took them to the top of the table and reaffirmed their status as strong title contenders.
