By Asif Naveed
Sports Desk; Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup ended on Tuesday after a crushing 150-run defeat (DLS method) against South Africa at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. Persistent rain interruptions and a dominant South African batting display sealed Pakistan’s fate, eliminating them from the tournament.
After being asked to chase a constantly revised target due to rain, Pakistan struggled from the start and could only manage 83 for 7 in 20 overs. Earlier, South Africa piled up 312 for 9 in 40 overs — their highest-ever World Cup total — powered by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s 90 and Sune Luus’s 61-run knock.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana admitted the bowlers underperformed, saying, “Today was not our day with the ball. We tried to adjust after the rain breaks, but the wet conditions made it very difficult.”
The match saw multiple interruptions as heavy showers delayed play and forced a reduction of overs. By the third resumption, Pakistan’s revised target stood at 234 in 20 overs, leaving them with a steep uphill task.
Fatima had provided an early breakthrough when she dismissed Tazmin Brits for a duck before South Africa’s counterattack began. Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk later accelerated the innings, with De Klerk smashing 41 off just 16 balls to push the total beyond 300.
In response, Pakistan’s batting collapsed once again. Muneeba Ali fell early, while Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, and Aliya Riaz also departed cheaply as Marizanne Kapp finished with figures of 3 for 20. Sidra Nawaz remained unbeaten on 22, but Pakistan never looked in contention.
The loss, combined with earlier rain-affected washouts against England and New Zealand, confirmed Pakistan’s exit from the World Cup. They will face co-hosts Sri Lanka in their final, inconsequential match on Saturday. South Africa’s victory, meanwhile, put them on top of the points table and strengthened their position ahead of the semi-finals.
