ISLAMABAD: South Africa continued their winning streak in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, thrashing Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in a rain-hit match at R. Premadasa International on Friday.

Due to rain, the match was reduced to 20 overs, with South Africa restricting Sri Lanka to 105-7 before comfortably chasing a revised target of 121 in 14.5 overs to consolidate their hold on second place in the points table.

Sri Lanka, who chose to bat first, were 46-2 when rain stopped play. After the break, left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlba took 3-30 as the bowlers allowed only 59 runs in the last eight overs while taking five wickets.

Vishmi Gunaratne’s quick 34, which included six fours, was the only notable contribution for Sri Lanka.

Chasing six an over, South Africa’s openers made the task look easy. Captain Laura Wolvaardt struck an unbeaten 60 off 47 balls, while Tazmin Brits hit 55 not out off 42 balls with four fours and two sixes. Their 125-run stand came off just 89 deliveries to complete a commanding victory.

For a team bowled out for just 69 by England in their opening game, South Africa’s recovery has been impressive with four wins in a row.

Sri Lanka remain winless after five matches in a campaign affected by rain and inconsistency.

The victory took South Africa to eight points, one behind defending champions Australia on nine. England, the four-time winners, are third with seven points and a game in hand.

Articles tagged with "Nonkululeko Mlba"

South Africa crush Sri Lanka to extend dominant World Cup run