Have the Proteas peaked at the right time? After their lung opener loss to England, they recorded their 5th win on the trott that too by 150 runs with DLS method in a rain reduced clash against Pakistan.
Put into bat , the game was reduced to 40 overs due to rain , and the Protease proved that they have a strong batting lineup similar to India and Australia as they thumped the Pakistan hapless bowling attack to score 312 runs for 9 wickets in 40 overs.
Tazmin Brits, who has a century to her credit in this World Cup, and a match winning unbeaten 55 against Sri Lanka in her last outing was dismissed by Sana Fahima no score, that was an early success for Pakistan, and then from a bright sunny afternoon the sky turns grey ,sadly 2 hours and 20 minutes of play was lost by the uninvited guest, whome we all dread to welcomeV during a game of cricket.
The game was reduced to 40 overs , Laura Wolvaardt, the South African skipper, and Sune Luus, paired off with a partnership of 125 runs , an exhibition of power hitting , when Sune Luus departed for 61 in 59 balls with 8 boundaries and 2 sixes , that got Pakistan the much needed breakthrough.
The presence of Laura Wolvaardt is a danger for any team. She thumped 90 in 82 deliveries with 10 boundaries and 2 sixes and stiched a second partnership with Marizzan Kapp for 64 , batting Pakistan out of the game.
Marrizanne Kapp remained unbeaten on 68 off 43 deliveries thumping 6 boundaries and 3 sixes, whilst South African pinch Queen Nadine De Klerk stuck 41from 16 deliveries with 3 boundaries and 4 massive sixes and South Africa reached 312 for 9 in 40 overs , a herculean score as a run chase for any team.
Incidentally, South Africa thumped 11 sixes in this game , being the highest so far by a team so far in this World Cup.
It was an excellent batting wicket. I guess the wet outfield did not aid the Pakistani bowlers in gripping the ball , nevertheless, Protease took advantage. That’s cricket .
Sadiq Iqbal took 3 for 63 and Nisha Sandhu 3 for 45, a noteworthy mention about Pakistani wicket keeper Sidra Nawaz she is an exceptional talent with her gloves.
Pakistan started the chase with a DLS target of 308 runs in 40 overs but lost 3 wickets upfront to Marizanne Kapp with the score on 38, lost the 4th wicket to Nandumisa Shangish with the score 48, hence the writing on the wall for a Pakistani exit from World Cup 2025 was imminent.
We had 3 rain interruptions. When play imately resumed, the game was reduced to 20 overs with Pakistan on 48 for 4 wickets in 12.3 overs.
The DLS factor came into the equation, and the revised 20 over target was 234.
In other words, 23 runs per over , impossible target, especially against a South African bowling attack.
Sadly, Pakistan made 83 for 7 wickets, Natalia Pervauz made 20 , Sidra Nawaz 22, the rest of the batters could not cope with not only the demand but the conditions as well. It’s not easy to stitch partnerships and build an innings with 3 rain interruptions. Spare a thought for Pakistan.
South Africa, no doubt, is the better team. They leave to India this morning to play against Australia and in the semi-finals as well and are also table toppers. We wish them a safe journey and trust they enjoyed the Sri Lankan cuisine their stay and hospitality.
Sad , Pakistan bowed out. They still have 1 game left to play against Sri Lanka this Friday.
It was a mixed bag for the Pakistani girls this World Cup. Guess they enjoyed their stay in Sri Lanka. Sadly, they were uninvited to India to play in India, but they do have a home in Sri Lanka it was a pleasure being their hosts.
Pakistan lost to Bangladesh, lost to India and Australia as well after being on top at one stage. Sadly, they werev unlucky against England because rain saved the English. Pakistan could have got 2 points in that game, they were outplayed by South Africa, and they will want to end their campaign on a high against Sri Lanka on Friday. Wish them well.
The main scores
South Africa 312/ 9 in 40 overs.
Laura Wolvaardt 90 , Sune Luus 61, Marizanne Kapp 61 , Nadine De Klerk 41
Sadiq Iqbal 3 for 63
Nasha Sandhu 3 for 45
Pakistan 83/7 in 20 overs revised target of 234.
Natalia Pervaiz 20 TV TV
Sidra Nawaz 22
Marizanne Kapp 3 for 24
Nandimisa Shangosa 2 for 19