Women's World Cup: South Africa edge closer to semis with clinical 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka

South Africa continued their impressive run in the Women’s World Cup, crushing Sri Lanka by 10 wickets with 31 balls to spare on Friday, October 17, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. In another rain-affected encounter, the Proteas notched their fourth consecutive victory after a shaky start to the tournament that saw them bowled out for just 69 in a 10-wicket defeat to England.

The win propelled South Africa to second place in the points table. With eight points and a net run rate of -0.440, they have strengthened their chances of securing a semi-final spot. For Sri Lanka, the loss leaves them winless in the competition, and they must win both of their remaining matches to keep semi-final hopes alive.

After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka’s innings got off to a shaky start when Vishmi Gunaratne was struck on her left knee by a sharp throw from mid-on and had to be stretchered off the field. Her replacement, Hasini Perera, failed to make an



impact, bowled by Masabata Klaas for just four.

Chamari Athapaththu’s indifferent run of form continued as she fell to Klaas for 11. At 46 for two in the 12th over, rain once again interrupted play in Colombo, a recurring feature of the tournament, halting the game for five and a half hours before action resumed at 9:10 PM IST.

With the match reduced to 20 overs a side, Kavisha Dilhari (14) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (13) added a handy 26-run partnership for the third wicket, but both fell in quick succession — Dilhari to Nadine de Klerk and Samarawickrama to left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.

Showing remarkable courage, Vishmi returned to bat and top-scored for Sri Lanka with a vital 34-run knock, helping the team surpass the 100-run mark. Nilakshi de Silva contributed an 18-run cameo, taking Sri Lanka to 105 for seven. Mlaba was the pick of the South African bowlers with figures of 4-0-30-3, while Marizanne Kapp went wicketless.