CWCW 2025: South Africa beat Sri Lanka to reach semi-finals

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Colombo, October 17, 2025 – South Africa women cruised into the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (CWCW) 2025 semi-finals with a dominant 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, extending their winning streak to four matches.

Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits led a flawless chase in the rain-reduced 20-over match on Friday, sealing South Africa’s semi-final berth and pushing the Proteas to second place in the points table with eight points from five games. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, suffered their third defeat in five matches and are still searching for their first win of the tournament.

Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 105/6 in 20 overs. Vishmi Gunaratne, who retired hurt earlier, top-scored with 34 runs, but lacked support as wickets tumbled regularly. Nonkululeko Mlaba starred with the ball for South Africa, taking 3/30, while Masabata Klaas claimed two early wickets and Nadine de Klerk chipped in with one. The Proteas restricted the hosts to just seven runs in the last two overs, highlighting a clinical bowling performance.

Chasing 106, Wolvaardt brought up her 37th ODI half-century, her second of the tournament, while Brits finished with a six off the final ball to seal a commanding 10-wicket win. The duo laid a strong foundation with 25 runs in the powerplay and accelerated comfortably, making the chase look effortless.

South Africa will next face Pakistan on October 18, aiming for a fifth consecutive win, while Sri Lanka resume their campaign against Bangladesh on October 20.