Proteas Women overcome rain and Pakistan to sit top of World Cup log

October 21, 2025 84

The Proteas Women braved both the weather and a spirited Pakistan side to climb to the top of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 standings.

Having already secured a semi-final berth, South Africa took on Pakistan on Tuesday — a must-win match for the subcontinental side to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 306, Pakistan faltered early, as they lost four wickets before rain halted play.

Veteran seamer, Ayabonga Khaka, struck in her first over to dismiss Muneeba Ali, the early breakthrough set the tone and Marizanne Kapp, soon tightened the screws with a fiery spell of her own.

She trapped Omaima Sohail LBW and then removed Sidra Amin in the same over before striking again to dismiss Aliya Riaz just before the end of powerplay to have the Pakistan Women four wickets down.

She returned to take the crucial wicket of Aliya Riaz just before the end of the powerplay, leaving Pakistan reeling at four down.

In the first innings, South Africa went on a rampage to post 312/9 in 40 overs after rain curtailed their innings. It was also South Africa’s highest total in World Cup history.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt, led from the front with a classy 90, anchoring key partnerships with Sune Luus (61) and Marizanne Kapp, who finished unbeaten on 68*. Nadine de Klerk added late fireworks with a quickfire cameo that pushed the Proteas past the 300-run mark.

South Africa’s innings featured 11 sixes — the most by any team in the tournament so far — underlining their intent and dominance with the bat.

🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨

Dominant. Decisive. Deserving. 💫 #TheProteas Women storm to the top of the #CWC25 table with a commanding victory over Pakistan Women! 🇿🇦🔥 #Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/SeYuwfZchU

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 21, 2025