Match Preview and Captains’ Thoughts
The 22nd match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 saw Pakistan taking on South Africa in Colombo. Pakistan, led by Fatima Sana, won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision she explained by stating, "The pitch looks like a good one. The weather is as well. Diana and I are the two frontline pacers, and then we have a good spin attack. Four spinners, to be exact. Everything depends on this game. We need to be calm and composed. We have to be more calm and composed against South Africa. We will try to win. Same team for us."
South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, expressed confidence despite batting first. "Not the worst thing to bat first. We have done well chasing through the competition. Obviously, the last time we batted first in this tournament didn’t quite go according to the plan. We have already qualified for the semi-finals. It will be a good thing to test ourselves today. Really proud of the group for how we managed to bounce back. We have put that performance behind us. Hopefully, we put in a better performance today batting first. Just one change. Ayabonga Khaka comes in for Masabata Klaas," she stated.
South Africa enters this match in strong form, sitting third in the standings with eight points after recovering from an initial loss to England with four consecutive wins. Pakistan, in contrast, is at the bottom of the table with only two points from rain-affected matches, making a win against the Proteas essential for any chance of reaching the semi-finals.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan Women: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Ameen, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Karabo Meso (wk), Chloe Lesleigh Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Pitch Report and Early Match Conditions
According to Alan Wilkins, the pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium appeared hard and dry, suggesting a good batting track. Former India captain Mithali Raj advised bowlers to attack the stumps and batters to show patience early on, predicting a good total to be around or beyond 270. Overcast skies and a gentle breeze initially greeted the players, with dark clouds threatening rain, which Pakistani seamers might welcome for early breakthroughs.
Live Match Updates: Rain Intervenes Early
The match started with South Africa batting. Laura Wolvaardt opened with a boundary off Sadia Iqbal’s first ball, showcasing an aggressive intent. However, the Pakistani skipper, Fatima Sana, made an immediate impact, taking the first wicket of Tazmin Brits (0 runs off 4 balls) with an outside edge caught at first slip, bringing Sune Luus to the crease.
Just two overs into the game, with South Africa Women at 6 runs for 1 wicket, the heavens opened up in Colombo. The umpires called the players off the field as rain intensified. Ground staff quickly covered the entire playing area, indicating a potentially long delay as dark clouds rolled in thick and fast.