South Africa Women will face Pakistan Women in the 22nd match of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday, October 21.
The Proteas have already booked their place in the semi-finals and currently hold the third position on the points table with four wins from five games. They will look to build further momentum and possibly climb higher by adding another win to their tally.
Meanwhile, Pakistan are at the bottom of the table after enduring three defeats and two no-results in five matches. Though their hopes of advancing are over, they will aim for a morale-boosting victory to end their campaign on a positive note.
Colombo Weather Remains a Concern
Rain could once again disrupt proceedings in Colombo. The South African team, with eight points in hand, are eager to collect two more to avoid facing Australia, who are expected to top the table, in the semi-finals.
Currently, South Africa’s Net Run Rate (NRR) stands at -0.440, which is much lower than India’s +0.526. Even if India win their remaining games, they can only reach eight points.
However, weather continues to be the biggest worry. Out of nine matches played at the R. Premadasa Stadium so far, five have been washed out. This has raised questions about the ICC’s choice to host World Cup matches in Colombo during this rainy season.
Pakistan’s Challenge with the Bat
On paper, Pakistan appear to be no match for South Africa. Although Fatima Sana’s side managed to win one game in the recent bilateral series against the Proteas, their overall form in the World Cup has been disappointing.
Captain Fatima Sana and experienced pacer Diana Baig are expected to lead the bowling attack effectively on Colombo’s slow surface. Yet, Pakistan’s main problem lies in their fragile batting line-up, which struggles to chase scores above 175.
No top-order batter in the side has a strike rate near 75, and surprisingly, tail-ender Diana Baig holds one of the better strike rates in the team. Two of their matches were abandoned due to rain, further reducing their already slim qualification hopes.
For Pakistan, this game is about pride and ending the tournament with a consolation win after a series of underwhelming batting displays.
South Africa’s Batting Strength
South Africa boast one of the most reliable batting line-ups in the competition. Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits have provided strong starts, while Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp have kept the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs.
All-rounder Nadine de Klerk adds late-innings firepower, making the Proteas capable of posting or chasing totals around 250 with ease. Most of their batters maintain strike rates between 80 and 120, giving them a strong edge over Pakistan’s bowling.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, South Africa have dominated this contest. The Proteas have won 20 of the 31 ODIs played between the two sides. This record will give the team added confidence heading into Tuesday’s encounter.
Pitch Report
Batting first usually gives better results at the R. Premadasa Stadium. But with rain likely, teams may prefer to chase, especially if the DLS method comes into play. If weather interruptions stay away, spinners are expected to play a major role as the pitch offers turn and grip as the match progresses.
Weather Report
Unfortunately, the forecast for Tuesday looks bleak, with morning showers already recorded and thunderstorms expected during the game. The temperature will hover around 25°C but feel closer to 28°C due to high humidity at about 87%. Winds are expected from the west at around 8 mph.
Squads
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase
Pakistan Women: Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah