South Africa has clinched the top spot in the points table of the Women's ODI World Cup by defeating Pakistan by 150 runs. In a match frequently interrupted by rain, the South African team easily overcame Pakistan, courtesy of brilliant performances from captain Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus, and Marizanne Kapp.
SPORTS NEWS: Powered by Marizanne Kapp's all-round performance and half-century contributions from captain Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus, South Africa defeated Pakistan by 150 runs under the DLS method in the Women's ODI World Cup, climbing to the top of the table with 10 points. In the rain-affected encounter, 35-year-old Marizanne Kapp hammered an unbeaten 68 runs off 43 balls, building on the superb half-centuries by Wolvaardt (90) and Luus (61), which helped her team set a formidable total of 312 runs for nine wickets batting first. The match had originally commenced as a 40-over-per-side affair.
Rain Alters Match Format
The match was initially scheduled for 40 overs per side, but due to persistent rain, it was subsequently reduced to 20 overs. Batting first, the South African team posted 312 runs for the loss of nine wickets. However, under the DLS method, Pakistan was set a revised target of 234 runs from 20 overs. Pakistan failed to reach this target, managing only 83/7.
South African captain Laura Wolvaardt scored a superb 90 runs off 82 balls, decorated with 10 fours and two sixes. Her brilliant innings propelled the team into a commanding position. Partnering with her, Sune Luus contributed 61 runs from 59 deliveries. Together, they established a 118-run opening partnership, setting the foundation for a substantial total.
Following their efforts, middle-order batter Marizanne Kapp further solidified the team's position with an unbeaten 68 runs off just 43 balls. Her aggressive batting and rapid scoring ability steered South Africa to a challenging total against Pakistan. Although opening batter Tazmin Brits was dismissed for a duck, Kapp and captain Wolvaardt successfully navigated the team out of early trouble.
Pakistan's Efforts
For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu claimed three wickets for 45 runs in eight overs, while Sadia Iqbal also secured three wickets for 63 runs. Despite these bowling efforts, the team continued to struggle with their batting. Pakistan's batter Nadine de Klerk advanced her team's efforts by scoring 41 runs off just 16 balls, but this proved insufficient to secure victory for the team.
This marked South Africa's fifth consecutive victory. Following this dominant performance, the team leapfrogged Australia and England to claim the top position in the points table. With 10 points from six matches, South Africa has already secured its berth in the semifinals.
Summary of Player Performances
- Laura Wolvaardt: 90 runs off 82 balls, 10 fours, 2 sixes
- Sune Luus: 61 runs off 59 balls
- Marizanne Kapp: Unbeaten 68 runs off 43 balls
- Nashra Sandhu (Pakistan): 8 overs, 3 wickets, 45 runs
- Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan): 3 wickets, 63 runs
Although the match format was altered due to rain, South Africa triumphed even in challenging conditions, courtesy of the aggressive performances from their players. Despite facing a revised target under the DLS method, the Pakistani team failed to score, making South Africa's victory all the more impressive.
