Women's WC: Wolvaardt, Luus, Kapp shine for SA against Pakistan
What's the story
South Africa posted a mammoth total of 312/9 in their 2025 ICC Women's ODI World Cup match against Pakistan at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium. The SA innings, curtailed to 40 overs due to rain, was bolstered by half-centuries from Laura Wolvaardt (90), Sune Luus (61), and Marizanne Kapp (68*). A late blitz from Nadine de Klerk, who scored a quickfire 41 off just 16 balls, helped South Africa to their highest-ever total in Women's World Cups.
Innings breakdown
Wolvaardt powers South Africa
South Africa's innings was a mix of aggression and resilience. Despite Tazmin Brits's failure (0), Wolvaardt and Luus propelled the innings with a 118-run second-wicket partnership off just 99 balls. The duo attacked the Pakistani bowlers, with Wolvaardt reaching her half-century in just 42 balls. Luus was the second batter to depart, leaving SA at 123/2. She slammed a 59-ball 61 (8 fours and 2 sixes).
Bowling impact
Pakistan bowlers struggle against aggressive SA batters
Annerie Dercksen was run out just after Luus's dismissal, giving Pakistan a glimmer of hope. However, Kapp and Wolvaardt quickly quelled those hopes with a 64-run partnership, which occurred before Wolvaardt's dismissal. Wolvaardt was on her way to a century when she was outfoxed by Nashra Sandhu's sharp-turning delivery in the 32nd over. She propelled SA past 200 before falling for an 82-ball 90 (10 fours and 2 sixes).
Information
Marizanne Kapp returns unbeaten
The match was interrupted by rain, reducing it to a 40-over-a-side contest. South Africa completed their innings at 312/9 in the allotted 40 overs. Marizanne Kapp returned unbeaten on 68 off 43 balls (6 fours and 3 sixes).
Numbers
Notable numbers for the trio
Wolvaardt continues her sublime run, having struck her third 50-plus score of the ongoing tournament. She now has 4,921 runs from 116 WODIs at an average of 49.21. This was her 38th WODI fifty. Meanwhile, Luus has raced to 2,640 runs from 139 WODIs at 25.88, including 17 half-centuries. In 159 WODIs, Kapp has completed 3,465 runs at 35.72. This was her 17th WODI half-century.