South Africa defeated Pakistan by 150 runs to reclaim the top spot in the standings.
The match, which was expected to be abandoned due to rain, experienced a delay of nearly two and a half hours.
Three South African players managed to score half-centuries, while Nadine de Klerk added a quick 41 runs off just 16 balls, helping the Proteas reach a total of 312-9. Pakistan, in contrast, could only manage 83-7 in their innings.
With this result, Pakistan were eliminated from the group stage with one week remaining, while South Africa secured their place in the semi-finals.
In the match, Laura Wolvaardt (90 off 82) and Sune Luus (61) built an impressive 118-run partnership for the second wicket. Wolvaardt’s side have shown exceptional form when batting second throughout this tournament.
They comfortably chased down targets of 232 and a DLS-adjusted 121 against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, and displayed great resilience in comeback wins over Bangladesh and India.
Except for their opening group match against England, where things went wrong, South Africa have achieved their desired results in every game.
The team appears confident and in excellent form across all departments — and they truly believe they have what it takes to win the World Cup.
ICC Women’s World Cup, Colombo
South Africa 312-9 (40 overs): Wolvaardt 90 (82); Nashra 3-45
Pakistan 83-7 (20 overs): Sidra Nawaz 22* (33); Kapp 3-20
South Africa won by 150 runs (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern)