Women’s World Cup South Africa take on Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium, colombo, South Africa looking to fine tune their rhythm ahead of semifinal while Pakistan yet to find first win in world cup.
Team Preview
South Africa arrive with shaky start,they suffered heavy 10 wickets defeat against England after that find rhythm with four consecutive win in five matches, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits have laid reliable foundation at the top, Marizanne kaap and chole Tryon provide stability in middle order while Nadine De Klerk late order composure has added balance, ensuring the team rarely loses momentum in close situations.
With the ball, Nonkululeko Mlaba has lead bowling lineup and get support from all round depth Marizanne kaap, chole Tryon and Nadine De Klerk.
On the other hand Pakistan have endured a frustrating run marred by inconsistency and weather interruptions. Sitting at the bottom of the table with just two points in 5 matches, they have unable to convert promising starts into victories. Their bowling attack lead by Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal have repeatedly created chances.
Head to Head Records
Total matches played: 29
South Africa won: 23
Pakistan won: 6
Match Tie: 1
No Results: 1
Pitch Report
The surface at this venue is traditionally on the slower side, offering assistance to spinners as the match progress, early on the new ball might provide some seam movement for the pacers but as the game wears on , the ball tends to grip and turn, making stroke play challenging. Teams winning the toss may prefer bat first , on this venue 240-260 could be competitive total.
Probable playing XIs
South Africa
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne kapp, karabo Meso(wk), chole Tryon, Nadine De Klerk, Tumi Sekhukhune, Masabata klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Pakistan
Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal
Players to watch out
Tazmin Brits: An explosive opener, Brits has complemented Wolvaardt perfectly by providing brisk starts. Her aggressive approach can unsettle bowlers early, setting the tone for the rest of the innings. If she gets going, South Africa’s top order becomes nearly unstoppable.
Nonkululeko Mlaba: has been a revelation with her consistent spin bowling on turning tracks. Her control, variations, and ability to pick crucial wickets in the middle overs make her a key figure against Pakistan’s vulnerable batting order.
Fatima Sana : has been impressive with her disciplined line and ability to generate movement both ways. She has often given her side early breakthroughs and will be crucial in dismissing South Africa’s top order early to create pressure.
Sidra Amin: A reliable top-order batter, Sidra Amin is Pakistan’s anchor and one of the few players capable of providing stability against high-quality attacks. Known for her classical technique and calm temperament, she thrives on building partnerships and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Her ability to bat deep into the innings
Prediction . South Africa is favourites with performance through out the tournament with his batting death and claim under pressure situation while Pakistan struggle to find out rhythm and first win, if pakistan blowers get quick three four wickets it could be close contest.