When Laura Wolvaardt smashed 90 runs at R Premadasy Stadium on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the result was crystal clear: South Africa Women trounced Pakistan Women by a DLS‑adjusted 150 runs. The rain‑hit day‑night clash, the 22nd match of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, ended Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi‑finals and vaulted the Proteas to the top of the points table.
Match overview
Originally slated for a full 50‑over game, a brief downpour before kick‑off forced officials to trim the innings to 40 overs each. South Africa, winning the toss, elected to bat first and posted a formidable 312/9. Sune Luus added 61, while Marizanne Kapp remained unbeaten on 68 and later claimed three wickets with her left‑arm spin.
Pakistan’s reply was a tale of two halves. After three rain interruptions, the DLS formula continually shrank the target – from 306 runs in 40 overs to a final 234 runs in just 20 overs. The side could muster only 83/7 before the allotted overs ran out, sealing a massive defeat.
Key performances
South Africa’s batting lineup shone throughout. Wolvaardt’s elegant drive through mid‑wicket set the tone, and a 98‑run partnership with Luus steadied the innings after early wickets. Kapp’s quick‑fire 68* off 58 balls included six fours and two sixes, showcasing the modern all‑rounder’s flair.
On the bowling front, Kapp’s three‑for‑21 was pivotal; she ripped through the middle order, leaving Pakistan 48‑4 in 12 overs before the final rain delay. In contrast, Nida Dar, captain of Pakistan Women, struggled to find rhythm, and the side’s highest partnership – 25 runs between Dar and Sidra Ameen – fell far short of the required run rate of 23.15 per over.
Rain interruption and DLS impact
The Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern (DLS) method, devised by statisticians Frank Duckworth, Tony Lewis and Steven Stern, recalculated the target each time rain halted play. After the first stoppage the target slid to 284 in 35 overs, then to 260 in 30 overs, and finally to 234 in 20 overs. The constant revisions rattled the Pakistani batters, who never settled into a chase rhythm.
Umpires Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka) and Richard Kettleborough (England) adjudicated the match, while Jacqueline Williams served as third umpire. Their swift decisions kept the game moving despite the weather chaos.
Implications for the tournament
With the win, South Africa Women sit atop the league table on 18 points from five matches (four wins, one loss). England follow on 16 points, while Australia, India and Sri Lanka chase the remaining semi‑final spots.
Pakistan’s elimination leaves them with zero points after four straight defeats – to India, England, Bangladesh and now South Africa. The loss also marks the largest margin ever recorded against Pakistan Women in a World Cup, eclipsing their previous worst defeat in 2011.
Historical context
- South Africa’s 312/9 is the second‑highest total in Women’s World Cup history, behind Australia’s 356/5 in 2013.
- The Proteas have now beaten Pakistan Women seven consecutive times across all formats since 2021.
- R Premadasay Stadium, with a 35,000‑seat capacity, previously hosted the 2011 Cricket World Cup final and the 2012 World Twenty20.
- The tournament’s prize pool stands at USD 4 million, with the champions slated to receive USD 1.5 million.
Looking ahead
The next day, October 22, 2025, the schedule pits Australia Women against England Women at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, India. Both teams have already secured semi‑final berths, so the clash will be a battle for momentum heading into the knockout stage.
South Africa’s semi‑final is set for October 28 or 29, with the final slated for November 1 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Should they maintain their current form, the Proteas could be the first African side to lift the Women’s World Cup since the tournament’s inception in 1973.
Key facts
- Match date: 21 Oct 2025
- Venue: R Premadasy Stadium, Colombo
- South Africa Women 312/9 (40 overs)
- Pakistan Women 83/7 (20 overs, DLS target 234)
- Victory margin: 150 runs (DLS)
- Top scorer: Laura Wolvaardt – 90 runs
- Best bowler: Marizanne Kapp – 3/21
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Pakistan's elimination affect their World Cup campaign?
The loss leaves Pakistan Women with zero points after four matches, erasing any realistic chance of reaching the semi‑finals. Their early exit also means they miss out on the prize‑money distribution beyond the participation fee and lose valuable exposure for their players on the world stage.
What role did the DLS method play in the result?
Each rain interruption forced a recalculation of the target, eventually reducing Pakistan's chase to 234 runs in 20 overs. The compressed overs amplified the required run rate to over 23 per over, a feat even the most aggressive batting line‑up would find daunting.
Who were the standout players for South Africa?
Laura Wolvaardt led with 90 runs, while captain Sune Luus contributed a steady 61. All‑rounder Marizanne Kapp dazzled both with a 68* and three wickets, earning her player‑of‑the‑match honours.
When is the next match in the tournament?
The following day, October 22, 2025, sees Australia Women take on England Women at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, India, a game that will solidify the knockout‑stage picture.
What historical significance does this defeat hold for Pakistan Women?
The 150‑run margin is the heaviest defeat Pakistan Women have suffered in any ICC Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1973. It also extended their winless streak to four games in this edition, underscoring a period of rebuilding for the side.
