Wolvaardt and Kapp Power South Africa to 312 in 40 Overs

South Africa scored a strong total of 312/9 in 40 overs at Colombo. Laura Wolvaardt scored it in style with a 90, and Marizanne Kapp remained unbeaten on 68. Sune Luus contributed 61, and Nadine de Klerk turned the innings into a run-fest with her explosive batting.

There were only four overs left to play, and de Klerk entered and did everything in his power. She hit 41 off 16 balls. The team hit 11 sixes, the highest in one World Cup innings. Four of them were sent across the border by De Klerk alone.

This was the largest total in any World Cup by South Africa, and Pakistan was left with a DLS-adjusted target of 306 following a reduction in the number of overs per side of the match because of rain.

When Tazmin Brits was dismissed due to her third duck of the tournament, Wolvaardt and Luus were on top. The two combined to construct a 118-run partnership off only 99 balls. Wolvaardt began on a high note, striding out to take the seamers and keep the scoreboard going.

Luus started slowly, but found her rhythm on a slog-sweep six off Sadia Iqbal. She resumed attacking the spinners Nashra Sandhu and Rameen Shamim and brought up her 17th ODI fifty in a fine reverse sweep. Her innings ended when Sandhu had her caught at extra cover.

Wolvaardt maintained the speed with a half-century. She charged with courage, and there were openings, and she punished loose shots. At 90, she was stumped by Sandhu. Sandhu's double-wicket over left South Africa 212 for 5 in 32 overs.

Then Kapp and De Klerk took control. They made a late attack and demolished the spin attack of Pakistan and managed to see South Africa with a blockbuster total.