LIVE: Pakistan four down as rain stops play in CWC25 clash

Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 306, Pakistan faltered early as they lost four wickets in their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 clash against South Africa before rain stopped play.

Ayabonga Khaka struck in her very first over when Muneeba Ali mistimed a pull shot and lobbed it straight to mid on. The early breakthrough set the tone and Marizanne Kapp soon tightened the screws with a fiery spell.

Kapp 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. Riaz departed in similar fashion as Amin as Pakistan slipped to four wickets 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 sparkling knock (90) while Sune Luus (61) and Marizanne Kapp (68*) played vital supporting knocks, stitching crucial partnerships with the South Africa captain to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Nadine de Klerk then provided a late flourish with a whirlwind cameo, propelling the Proteas past the 300-run mark. South Africa’s innings featured 11 sixes - the most by any team in the ongoing tournament.

For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu (3/45) and Sadia Iqbal (3/63) were the pick of the bowlers while Fatima Sana also chipped in with a wicket.

After Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana won the toss and chose to bowl, the start looked promising when she dismissed Tazmin Brits for a duck. But soon after rain interrupted play, reducing the match to 40 overs per side.

Once the skies cleared, South Africa came out firing as Wolvaardt and Luus added a 118-run stand before Sandhu finally struck, removing Luus. Wolvaardt put on another 64-run stand with Kapp before Sandhu struck again to remove the South Africa captain.

A brief wobble saw the Proteas slip to 253/6, offering Pakistan a glimmer of hope but it didn’t last long. Marizanne Kapp steadied the innings with a calm before Nadine de Klerk walked in and turned the game into a spectacle. Klerk smashed 41 off just 16 balls, hammering four sixes and three fours as the final five overs went for a staggering 72 runs.

By the time the innings ended, South Africa had bulldozed their way to 312/9, their highest-ever total in a Women’s World Cup, setting a target of 306 for Pakistan adjusted with the DLS method.

With four wins in a row under their belt, South Africa will take on Pakistan, who eye their first win, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo for an intriguing World Cup contest. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and elected to field first.

The Proteas are currently placed third on the standings and have secured their place in the semifinals will look to build on the momentum against Pakistan, who have two points and sit at the bottom of the eight-team points table.

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