Women’s Cricket World Cup: South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets despite rain delay to book semi-final berth | Cricket News
Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits both scored unbeaten half-centuries as South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets (DLS) to book a place in the semi-final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Nonkululeko Mlaba had already played with the ball, picking up three wickets as South Africa restricted Sri Lanka to 105-7 after rain forced the contest to be reduced to a 20-over match.
Wolvaardt and the British then took over to victory in 14.5 overs, as the former hit 60 not out from 47 balls and the latter recorded 55 not out from 42 deliveries.
Vishmi Gunaratne (34), who had earlier retired injured, returned to the crease and was Sri Lanka’s top scorer before falling on the last ball of the innings. However, she found little support from the other end as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Before the rain break, South Africa had held Sri Lanka in check at 46-2 after 12 overs. Once play resumed, the Proteas tightened their grip, giving away just seven runs in the final two overs while claiming three wickets in the final over, including two by Mlaba.
Mlaba (3-30) finished as the pick of the bowlers, while Nadine de Klerk struck with the first wicket after the restart. Masabata Klaas (2-18) also impressed, accounting for both Sri Lanka wickets in the powerplay.
Watch the Women’s Cricket World Cup live on Sky Sports Cricket in its entirety, up to and including the final on Sunday 2 November. Stream contract-free cricket, football, golf and more with NOW.
