Women Proteas Power to the Top: South Africa Crush Pakistan to Lead CWC25 Standings

South Africa’s march through the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 shows no signs of slowing. The Proteas delivered another statement win on Friday, thrashing Pakistan by 150 runs via the DLS method in Colombo to claim their fifth consecutive victory and move to the top of the tournament standings with 10 points from six games.

Proteas Dominate from the Start

After Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and chose to bowl, South Africa unleashed one of their most powerful batting performances in World Cup history. The Proteas piled up a record 312/9 in 40 overs, their highest total ever in a Women’s World Cup match.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt led by example, scoring a fluent 90 off 80 balls, blending elegant timing with attacking intent. She found able partners in Sune Luus (61) and Marizanne Kapp (68)*, the trio combining for crucial middle-order partnerships that kept the scoreboard ticking.

The finishing touch came from Nadine de Klerk, who hammered a rapid cameo to push South Africa beyond the 300-mark. The innings featured 11 sixes, the most by any team in the tournament so far, a clear sign of the Proteas’ growing confidence with the bat.

Pakistan Falter in the Chase

In reply, Pakistan never found rhythm. Ayabonga Khaka struck early, removing Muneeba Ali in the second over, and Marizanne Kapp followed with a devastating spell that ripped through the top order, dismissing Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, and Aliya Riaz in quick succession.

From 35/4, the chase unraveled completely. Nondumiso Shangase (2/19) and Khaka (1/14) ensured there was no recovery, while Kapp capped off her outstanding all-round display with 3 wickets to her name.

By the time rain interrupted play once again, Pakistan were struggling at 83/7 in 20 overs, and the result was decided via the DLS method, a 150-run win, South Africa’s biggest of the tournament and Pakistan’s heaviest defeat.

Only Sidra Nawaz (22)* managed to show some resistance, but the rest of the lineup crumbled under relentless pressure from the Proteas attack.

Kapp’s All-Round Brilliance Shines Again

For her combined performance, a rapid 68 not out and 3 wickets, Marizanne Kapp was named Player of the Match. Her form with both bat and ball has been central to South Africa’s campaign, providing experience and stability whenever the team has needed it most.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt, meanwhile, continued her excellent run of form with yet another captain’s knock, showing leadership, calmness, and aggression in equal measure.

Semi-Final Picture So Far

With this latest win, South Africa sit first on the standings with 10 points from six matches, edging past Australia and England, who both have nine points. The Proteas are now officially qualified for the semi-finals, joining Australia and England in the final four.

The race for the remaining semi-final spot remains open between India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, who all need wins in their final fixtures to stay alive.

South Africa’s surge from a shaky start to tournament dominance has been one of the standout stories of CWC25, a testament to the side’s balance, resilience, and leadership.

Next Fixture

South Africa’s final group-stage match will be a blockbuster against defending champions Australia on Friday, 25 October 2025, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. With top spot in the group at stake, the Proteas will be eager to carry their momentum into the semi-finals and maintain their unbeaten streak.

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