Women's World Cup: Pakistan face daunting challenge against South Africa
What's the story
Pakistan and South Africa will clash in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday. While South Africa have already secured a spot in the semi-finals, Pakistan still have a slim chance of qualifying for the knockouts. However, they must win their remaining two matches by huge margins and hope for favorable results in other games. Here's more.
Bowling prowess
Bowlers Fatima Sana, Masabata Klaas to play key roles
Pakistan's bowlers, led by Fatima Sana, impressed in their last outing against England. They restricted a strong batting unit to a low score. However, rain interrupted the chase. The wet conditions in Colombo could favor seamers like Masabata Klaas and Marizanne Kapp from South Africa's side. Despite not having a stellar World Cup so far, both are capable of exploiting favorable conditions on a helpful deck.
Batting challenges
Pakistan's batting order needs to be strengthened
Pakistan's batters struggled against New Zealand in a rain-affected match, with the score at 92 for 5. The team will look to strengthen their fragile batting order, possibly by bringing back Eyman Fatima or Sadaf Shamas. Despite their batting woes, Fatima Sana has been impressive with nine wickets at an average of 16 in the tournament.
Team strength
Mlaba's performance will be crucial for South Africa
South Africa's Nonkululeko Mlaba has been their most effective bowler in the tournament, with 11 wickets at an average of 15.18. Her performance will be crucial against Pakistan's batters who are wary of her spin bowling. On the other hand, South Africa's batting line-up is in good shape with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits leading from the front.
Details
Points table and the two teams' H2H record
SA-W are currently placed 3rd in the 8-team standings. They own 8 points from 5 matches with 4 wins and a defeat. On the other hand, PAK-W are bottom of the pile. They own 2 points from 5 matches (NR2 L3). In terms of the H2H record, the two teams have met on 31 occasions. PAK-W have won 6 games to SA Women's 23. One game ended in a tie. One match was a no result affair.
Teams
Pakistan and South Africa likely XIs
PAK likely XI: Omaima Sohail, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Eyman Fatima/Rameen Shamim, Fatima Sana (captain), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal. BAN likely XI: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Karabo Meso (wk), Nondumiso Shangase, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba.