South Africa secured a commanding 10-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in a rain-affected Women’s World Cup match on Friday. The match was reduced to 20 overs per side after a rain delay of more than five hours.Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, South Africa’s opening pair, delivered outstanding unbeaten half-centuries. Wolvaardt scored 60 not out from 47 balls, while Brits contributed 55 not out from 42 balls.South Africa successfully chased down the target of 121 runs, set under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, with 31 balls remaining. The team reached 125 without losing any wickets in 14.5 overs, with Brits finishing the match with a six over midwicket.Nonkululeko Mlaba, South Africa’s left-arm spinner, took three wickets for 30 runs despite challenging conditions with a wet and slippery ball. Sri Lanka managed to score 105 for seven, with Vishmi Gunaratne contributing 34 runs from 33 balls.The revised target using the DLS method proved challenging for Sri Lanka’s bowling unit against South Africa’s strong batting lineup. The opening partnership between Wolvaardt and Brits maintained a quick scoring rate throughout the chase.Sri Lanka, choosing to bat first, struggled early and lost two wickets for 37 runs in 10 overs. Rain interrupted play with Sri Lanka at 46 for two in 12 overs, leading to a five-hour delay.The match resumed after groundsmen worked efficiently to prepare the field. Kavisha Dilhari immediately showed intent by hitting a six off Mlaba’s first ball after the restart.South Africa responded strongly by taking two quick wickets. Gunaratne, who had earlier retired hurt after being struck on the knee, returned to score some important boundaries despite South Africa’s difficulties with the wet ball.Before the rain delay, Masabata Klass gave South Africa an excellent start by dismissing Hasini Perera and captain Chamari Athapaththu early in the innings.Sri Lanka remain winless in the tournament, holding two points from five matches. These points came from rain-abandoned matches against Australia and New Zealand.South Africa have now won four consecutive matches, showing remarkable recovery after their tournament opener where England bowled them out for 69 runs.
