Colombo, Oct 21 (NationPress) Captain Laura Wolvaardt showcased her leadership with a remarkable 90, while Marizanne Kapp concluded with an explosive unbeaten 68, as South Africa amassed a formidable total of 312 for 9 in a rain-interrupted 40-over clash against Pakistan during the Women’s World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday.

Despite several rain delays, South Africa’s batting lineup rose to the occasion, targeting Pakistan’s bowling attack effectively and establishing a daunting DLS-adjusted target of 306 runs.

After Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl, South Africa faced an early setback when Fatima Sana dismissed Tazmin Brits for a duck in the second over. Before the innings could gain momentum, rain disrupted play with Sadia Iqbal ready to bowl the third over.

The rain delay lasted for hours, and after two interruptions, the match resumed at 5:30 PM following a long break that began at 3:12 PM, now reduced to 40 overs per side.

When play resumed, Wolvaardt and Sune Luus quickly took charge. They executed a stunning counterattack, forming a remarkable 118-run partnership for the second wicket. Both reached their fifties, with Luus scoring a fluent 61 off 59 balls before falling prey to Nashra Sandhu, who broke the partnership with a clever delivery.

A brief halt in momentum occurred with Annerie Dercksen’s run out, yet Wolvaardt maintained her dominance. Her 90 off 82 balls was a display of perfect timing and placement, featuring graceful drives and calculated aggression. However, she fell just 10 runs short of a century, deceived by Sandhu’s flight to be caught attempting to clear mid-off. Sandhu struck again in the same over, trapping Karabo Meso for a duck.

Chloe Tryon contributed quickly, scoring 21 off 16 balls before being stumped by Sidra Nawaz. Just when Pakistan thought they had an opportunity, Kapp and Nadine de Klerk unleashed a powerful late assault that transformed the innings.

The duo added 52 runs for the seventh wicket in no time, dismantling Pakistan’s bowling. De Klerk was particularly destructive, hitting 41 off just 16 balls, including three boundaries and four towering sixes, continuing her impressive tournament. Kapp, composed and effective, finished unbeaten on 68 off 43 balls, steering South Africa past the 300-mark.

For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal were the standout bowlers with three wickets each, while Fatima Sana contributed one wicket. Two dismissals were runouts, but Pakistan’s fielding left much to be desired, marked by several dropped catches and misfields that cost them dearly.

Facing a revised target of 306 runs under the DLS method, Pakistan has a significant challenge ahead to stay competitive in the tournament.

Brief scores:

South Africa 312/9 in 50 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 90, Marizanne Kapp 68 not out; Sadia Iqbal 3-63, Nashra Sandhu 3-45) against Pakistan.