Wolvaardt and Brits dominate as the Proteas seal a 10-wicket victory in rain-hit Colombo clash
South Africa continued their dominant run in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, registering a comprehensive 10-wicket win (DLS method) over Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday. The triumph marked the Proteas’ fourth consecutive victory — all achieved while chasing — as they climbed to second place on the points table with eight points from five matches.
For hosts Sri Lanka, the struggles persisted. Still winless in the tournament, they suffered their third defeat in five outings, leaving their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread.
Wolvaardt and Brits deliver a chasing masterclass
Set a modest target of 106 in 20 overs after rain truncated the game, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits showcased remarkable composure and class. The pair began cautiously, collecting 25 runs in the powerplay before accelerating seamlessly to seal victory with 31 balls remaining.
Wolvaardt, South Africa’s consistent run machine, brought up her 37th ODI half-century — her second in this tournament — while Brits reached her own fifty in spectacular fashion, smashing a six off the final delivery to complete the chase. Their unbeaten stand ensured a perfect finish to yet another commanding Proteas performance.
Mlaba shines as South Africa restrict Sri Lanka
Earlier, after Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat, Nonkululeko Mlaba spearheaded South Africa’s attack with an exceptional spell, claiming 3 wickets and applying relentless pressure throughout. The hosts managed 105/6 in their allotted 20 overs, a total that never truly challenged the Proteas.
Vishmi Gunarathne (34) was the lone bright spot for Sri Lanka. Despite being forced to retire hurt mid-innings, she bravely returned to bat and top-scored before falling on the final ball. However, the lack of support from the other end meant Sri Lanka never found momentum, losing wickets at crucial intervals.
Before the rain delay, South Africa had already taken control, keeping Sri Lanka to 46/2 after 12 overs. Once play resumed, the Proteas struck immediately — Nadine de Klerk removed Kavisha Dilhari, and Mlaba followed up by dismissing Harshitha Samarawickrama in quick succession.
Sri Lanka’s late-order collapse saw three wickets tumble in the final over, with Nilakshika de Silva caught in the deep, Anushka Sanjeewani run out, and Mlaba wrapping up with the wicket of Gunarathne.
What’s next
With confidence sky-high, South Africa will aim to continue their unbeaten streak when they face Pakistan on October 21 at the same venue. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to regroup ahead of their October 20 clash against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai.