How Did Wolvaardt and Brits Lead South Africa to a 10-Wicket Victory Over Sri Lanka in the Women's World Cup 2025?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Laura Wolvaardt led with an unbeaten 60 runs.
- Tazmin Brits scored a solid 55 runs.
- The Proteas achieved a comfortable chase of 121 runs.
- Sri Lanka struggled with rain disruptions affecting their innings.
- This win strengthens South Africa’s position for the semifinals.
Colombo, Oct 17 (NationPress) Captain Laura Wolvaardt and her opening companion Tazmin Brits showcased remarkable poise to guide South Africa Women to an impressive victory against Sri Lanka in a rain-affected match during the ICC Women’s World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday.
Chasing a DLS-modified target of 121 runs, the Proteas achieved their goal with ease, bolstered by a solid 121-run partnership at the top of the order between Wolvaardt and Brits.
Sri Lanka managed to score 105 for 7 in their designated 20 overs, with Vishmi Gunaratne contributing a steady 34 and a late flurry of 59 runs in the last eight overs. Despite the challenging conditions, South Africa handled the chase with ease.
Leading the charge, Wolvaardt displayed her trademark style and composure, finding gaps in the field to keep the scoreboard moving. She anchored the innings with an unbeaten 60, while opener Tazmin Brits provided the initial thrust, scoring a brisk 55 that included four boundaries and two sixes.
The duo complemented each other excellently — Wolvaardt’s precision went hand-in-hand with Brits’ strength and aggressiveness — as Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to make any inroads.
Earlier, rain interrupted Sri Lanka’s innings after 12 overs, leading to a 20-over per side format. Gunaratne had given her team a solid start before retiring hurt on 14 after a throw from Ayabonga Khaka struck her knee. After her departure, Masabata Klaas (2 wickets) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (3/30) effectively curtailed the hosts, although late contributions from Nilakshi de Silva (18) and Kavisha Dilhari (14) allowed Sri Lanka to reach a respectable total.
This result keeps South Africa firmly in contention for a semifinal spot, now with four victories in five matches, while Sri Lanka finds itself in seventh place and needing a turnaround in their upcoming games.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 105/7 in 20 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 34, Nilakshi Silva 18; Nonkululeko Mlaba 3-30, Masabata Klaas 2-18) lost to South Africa 125 for no loss in 14.5 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 60 not out, Tazmin Brits 55 not out) by 10 wickets