South Africa steamroll Sri Lanka by 10 wickets, inch closer to women’s World Cup semis

South Africa moved a step closer to the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup with a dominant 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on October 17.

In a match disrupted by rain, the Proteas chased down a revised target of 121 with 31 balls to spare, extending their unbeaten streak to four games after a shaky start to the tournament.

Nonkululeko Mlaba spearheaded South Africa’s bowling attack, claiming three crucial wickets, while Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits blazed half-centuries to seal the emphatic victory. The win lifted South Africa to second place in the points table with eight points and a net run rate of -0.440, strengthening their semi-final bid. Sri Lanka, yet to record a win, must triumph in both remaining matches to stay in contention.

Mlaba stars, Gunaratne shows grit

Sri Lanka’s innings stumbled early when Vishmi Gunaratne was stretchered off after being struck on the knee by a sharp throw from mid-on. Her replacement, Hasini Perera, lasted just four balls before falling to Masabata Klaas. Chamari Athapaththu, struggling for form, added only 11 runs before Klaas struck again. Rain then halted play for over five hours, reducing the match to 20 overs a side.

Vishmi Gunaratne returned to the crease with remarkable courage, top-scoring with 34, while Nilakshi de Silva chipped in with 18 as Sri Lanka posted 105 for seven. Mlaba’s spin proved decisive, ending with figures of 4-0-30-3, while Marizanne Kapp went wicketless.

Wolvaardt and Brits put Proteas in control

Chasing the target under the DLS method, South Africa’s openers dominated from the start. Wolvaardt displayed her signature composure, racing to 25 without loss in the powerplay, while Brits, recovering from back-to-back ducks, smashed a towering six to regain confidence.

The pair stitched a 50-run partnership off just 43 balls, keeping the Proteas ahead of the required run rate. By the 13th over, Sri Lanka’s hopes had vanished as Wolvaardt and Brits hammered 18 runs off Kavisha Dilhari. Wolvaardt finished unbeaten on 60 from 47 balls, while Brits’ 55-run innings, capped with a six off Piumi Watshala, wrapped up a clinical chase.

With this commanding performance, South Africa has sent a clear message: they are a force to be reckoned with as the Women’s World Cup heads into its knockout stages.