Colombo, Oct 21 (NationPress) Marizanne Kapp's all-round brilliance and Laura Wolvaardt's stylish 90 propelled South Africa Women to continue their remarkable journey in the Women's ODI World Cup, defeating Pakistan by 150 runs through the DLS method in a rain-affected match at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

This impressive victory, their fifth consecutive win in the tournament, not only positioned them at the top of the points table but also confirmed Pakistan's elimination from the competition. This marks a historic moment for South Africa, achieving their first five-match winning streak in an ODI World Cup, surpassing their previous high of four in 2022.

Pakistan's choice to bowl first after winning the toss initially seemed advantageous when Fatima Sana dismissed Tazmin Brits for a duck in the second over. However, persistent rain disrupted play just as Sadia Iqbal began the third over, leading to multiple stoppages. Following over two hours of delay, the match was reduced to 42 overs per side and then further trimmed to 40.

Upon resumption, South Africa took command with a remarkable 118-run partnership for the second wicket between Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus. The pair countered Pakistan's spin attack with smart shot selection and solid strokeplay, both achieving fifties. Luus was dismissed for 61 by Nashra Sandhu, and shortly thereafter, Wolvaardt fell 10 runs shy of a deserved century when Sandhu struck again to dismiss her for a fluent 90. The left-arm spinner also took out Karabo Meso in the same over, concluding a successful spell of 3 for 45.

As wickets fell at one end, Chloe Tryon contributed a brisk 21 before being stumped by Sidra Nawaz. This set the stage for a powerful late surge from Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk, who unleashed a brutal assault on the Pakistan bowling attack. The duo added a stunning 52-run partnership for the seventh wicket, pushing South Africa past 300 runs. Kapp scored an unbeaten 68 off 43 balls, while de Klerk smashed 41 off just 16 deliveries, ensuring South Africa posted a formidable total of 312 for 9. After DLS adjustments, Pakistan was set a revised target of 306 in 40 overs.

Pakistan's chase started poorly as Ayabonga Khaka dismissed Muneeba Ali for just 5 runs in the second over. Kapp then took over with the ball, delivering a devastating opening spell that dismantled the top order. She removed Omaima Sohail (6), Sidra Ameen (13), and Aliya Riaz (3) within the first nine overs, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position at 35 for 4.

Any hopes of a recovery were continually disrupted by rain, causing another lengthy interruption. The match was halted for nearly an hour, with the weather fluctuating as showers returned.

During the delays, the target was revised multiple times — first to 299 in 37 overs, then to 270 in 27 overs, and finally to 262 in 25 overs. Play briefly resumed for two overs before rain returned, leading to another stoppage and ultimately sealing Pakistan's fate.

With less than five minutes remaining before the cut-off, the ground staff managed to prepare the field just in time for play to resume. Pakistan Women were handed a revised target of 234 in 20 overs, but South Africa's bowlers quickly dismantled the chase.

The Proteas dominated from the start, applying relentless pressure as Pakistan lost wickets consistently. Ultimately, Pakistan could only muster 83 for 7 in their 20 overs, suffering a devastating 150-run defeat.

Sadia Iqbal (3 for 63) and Nashra Sandhu (3 for 45) were the only bright spots for Pakistan on an otherwise dismal day.

Brief scores:

South Africa 312/9 in 40 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 90, Marizanne Kapp 68; Sadia Iqbal 3-63, Nashra Sandhu 3-45) beat Pakistan 83/7 in 20 overs (Sidra Nawaz 22, Natalia Pervaiz 20; Marizanne Kapp 3/20, Nondumiso Shangase 2/19) by 150 runs via DLS method