With the clock ticking past 12:08 AM PKT on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Pakistan now gears up for their final stand against Sri Lanka on Friday, October 24—hoping to salvage pride in this mega event!
Sent in to bat, South Africa faced an early scare, stumbling to 6 for 1 by the second over before rain forced a halt. After the weather cleared, the match was trimmed to 40 overs per side, and the Proteas unleashed a batting blitz. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led the charge with a scintillating 90 off 82 balls, smashing 10 fours and 2 sixes. Marizanne Kapp (68* off 43, 6x4s, 3x6s) and Sune Luus (61 off 59, 8x4s, 2x6s) added fireworks with their half-centuries, while Nadine de Klerk chipped in with 41. South Africa posted a formidable 312 for 9, despite Pakistan’s left-arm spinners Nashra Sundhu (3-45) and Sadia Iqbal (3-63) fighting back with three wickets each.
Chasing a revised DLS target of 306 in 40 overs, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled early. Muneeba Ali fell for a sluggish 5 off 5, setting a shaky tone. Omaima Sohail (6), Sidra Amin (13), and Aliya Riaz (3) followed suit, departing within nine overs as the innings spiraled. Rain interruptions reshaped the chase again, adjusting the target to 234 in 20 overs when Pakistan were 48 for 4 after 12 overs. Despite a gritty 22* from Sidra Nawaz and 20 from Natalia Pervaiz, Pakistan could only muster 83 for 7, handing South Africa a dominant win.
Marizanne Kapp was the undisputed star, claiming 3 wickets for 20 runs to dismantle Pakistan’s chase, earning her the Player of the Match honors. Nondumiso Shangase supported with 2-19, sealing South Africa’s commanding performance. For Pakistan, the loss highlights a batting collapse under pressure, with their bowlers unable to contain the Proteas’ explosive top order.
- South Africa beat Pakistan by 150 runs (DLS)
- South Africa 312-9 (40 overs): Laura Wolvaardt 90, Marizanne Kapp 68*, Sune Luus 61, Nadine de Klerk 41; Nashra Sundhu 3-45, Sadia Iqbal 3-63
- Pakistan 83-7 (20 overs): Sidra Nawaz 22*, Natalia Pervaiz 20, Sidra Amin 13; Marizanne Kapp 3-20, Nondumiso Shangase 2-19
- Player of the Match: Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)
— Waseem Qadri senior Journalist, TV show host and Editor THINK TANK JOURNAL based in Islamabad can be followed on X at @jaranwaliya