Women’s World Cup 2025: Pakistan bid farewell to the tournament after losing to South Africa due to rain

The rain tried to steal the show in Colombo, but could not overwhelm South Africa.

Wolvaardt’s side showed they are unstoppable as they finished second in this tournament, chasing down 232 and a DLS-adjusted 121 with ease against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, and showcasing their batting depth with resilient comeback victories over Bangladesh and India.

However, their one-and-done goal-setting experiment didn’t go as planned. After being bowled out in the tournament opener against England, they lost five Powerplay wickets before being bowled out for 69 – their third lowest total in a women’s ODI.

But with qualification to the semi-finals already assured, skipper Wolfhardt was unfazed when asked to play first in Colombo, praising the opportunity to “test ourselves” and move on from England’s disappointment. Los revealed that coach Mandla Machimbe’s message was for them to “come out and express themselves”. South Africa did both with confidence.

Both Luus and Wolfaardt fought with intent, with the former sweeping for fun and the leader using her great timing to push the limits. Kapp, who reached 50 off 37 deliveries, used her experience to anchor the last 10 deliveries. Together the trio have scored seven half-centuries in this tournament.

Chloe Tryon contributed cameo #21 before de Klerk’s fireworks. The all-rounder, who scored an unbeaten 84 against India earlier in the tournament, showed off her finishing ability, smashing seven boundaries in 16 deliveries as South Africa scored 102 runs in the last 10 overs.

There are some question marks in South Africa’s batting line-up – Aneri Derksen, Sinalo Jafta and Anke Bosch all struggled for runs in the middle order – and Pakistan were sloppy in the field, dropping a few catches and showing poor pitch in the back.

But with an unfortunate knock against England firmly behind them and several players in good scoring form, confidence will be high heading into their final group match against Australia.