South Africa defeats Pakistan in rain-affected clash, climbs to table-topping spot

Rain-hit thriller: South Africa crush Pakistan, climb to top of points table.

South Africa secured a commanding 150-run (DLS) victory over Pakistan in a rain-affected clash in Colombo, eliminating the visitors from semifinal contention and topping the points table.

In a 40-over match, the Proteas posted 312/9, led by Laura Wolvaardt’s 90, half-centuries from Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, and a fiery 41 off 16 balls from Nadine de Klerk. Pakistan’s chase of a revised 234 in 20 overs collapsed to 83/7, with early wickets falling to Ayabonga Khaka, Kapp, and spinners Nonkululeko Mlaba and Nondumiso Shangase.

The win marked South Africa’s fifth consecutive victory, completing a stunning turnaround after their earlier 69-run defeat to England. Wolvaardt and Luus’s early partnership set the tone, Kapp consolidated, and de Klerk’s late blitz helped breach 300, despite losing three wickets in the final over.