Wolvaardt, Luus, and De Klerk shine as Proteas post record total in Colombo
Proteas Post Mammoth 312 in Just 40 Overs
In a rain-shortened ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter, South Africa hammered Pakistan for 312 runs in Colombo on Tuesday — their highest-ever total in the tournament’s history. The match, played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, was reduced to 40 overs per side following a two-hour rain delay, but the Proteas made full use of every ball.
After Pakistan won the toss and opted to field, they got off to a promising start with Fatima Sana dismissing Tazmin Brits for a duck in the second over. However, that early breakthrough was quickly overshadowed by an explosive batting display.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt led the charge with a commanding 90-run knock, while Sune Luus added 61 in a 118-run second-wicket partnership. Together, they set the foundation for a massive score, punishing Pakistani bowlers who struggled to contain the flow of runs after the rain break.
De Klerk’s Power Finish Pushes Total Beyond 300
With the stage set by the top order, the lower-middle order capitalised. Marizanne Kapp kept the momentum going before Nadine de Klerk stole the show in the death overs, blasting 41 runs off just 16 balls, including three towering sixes. Her fiery cameo ensured South Africa breached the 300-run mark, posting 312/6 in 40 overs — a daunting target for the Women in Green.
Despite interruptions caused by Colombo’s persistent monsoon rains, the Proteas were relentless in their approach. Their aggressive batting handed Pakistan a stiff target of 306 (via DLS) — a must-win game to keep semi-final hopes alive.
Pakistan’s previous two matches, against England and New Zealand, were washed out, significantly denting their campaign. The side is still in search of its first win in the tournament, and now faces an almost impossible task to reach the final four.
Head-to-Head: Familiar Foes, Familiar Results
South Africa’s dominance over Pakistan has been consistent in recent meetings. The two teams faced off in a home ODI series in Lahore earlier this year, where the Proteas won 2-1. They also met in a pre-World Cup warm-up match in Colombo, where South Africa triumphed again.
Pakistan now needs to win both remaining matches and hope for favourable results in other fixtures to stay in contention for the semi-finals.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Fatima Sana (capt), Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Karabo Meso (wk), Nondumiso Shangase, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
