Advertisement
Advertisement
COLOMBO: Nonkululeko Mlaba’s three-wicket haul, followed by gutsy half-centuries from Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, propelled South Africa to victory over Sri Lanka in the rain-hit 18th encounter of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
Set 121 Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) adjusted target in 20 overs, South Africa hit the winning runs on the last ball of the 14th over without losing any wicket.
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt made 60 from 47 balls, striking eight fours, while Tazmin Brits’ 42-ball 55 featured two sixes and four boundaries.
The duo forged an unbeaten 125-run stand, powering the Proteas to their fourth successive win, moving them into the second spot with an inch closer to the semi-final.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Sri Lanka were 45-2 when the rain arrived. After the rain break, the Islanders could only manage to score 105-7 in 20 overs.
The hosts’ innings could not get going as they lost wickets at regular intervals, with Vishmi Gunaratne remaining the top-scorer with 34 from 33 balls. She struck six fours in her knock.
For South Africa, Nonkululeko Mlaba scalped three wickets in her four overs while giving away 30. Masabata Klaas also bowled well, picking up two in her five overs.
The defeat was Sri Lanka’s third, slimming their chances of advancing into the semi-final. They now languish on the points table with their remaining two fixtures against Pakistan and Bangladesh.
READ: John Cena quashes WWE retirement U-turn, confirms retirement date
