Pakistan knocked out of the Women’s World Cup — here’s how it happened…
Colombo: Pakistan’s Women’s One-Day World Cup campaign has come to an end. After suffering an upset defeat to Bangladesh on October 2 and then a heavy loss to India on October 5, Fatima Sana’s team never managed to recover. On Tuesday, South Africa delivered the final blow, knocking Pakistan out of the tournament.
Having failed to win even a single match out of six, Pakistan’s struggling side was crushed by South Africa under rain-interrupted conditions — losing by a record margin of 150 runs. With this victory, South Africa climbed to the top of the points table.
Rain dominates Colombo
From the start of the tournament, rain has played spoilsport in Colombo, disrupting matches for all teams. On Tuesday, Pakistan once again became its victim. The team lost four out of six matches, while two were abandoned due to rain. As a result, Pakistan ended its campaign with just two points, bowing out of the competition.
Kapp and Wolvaardt shine
Winning the toss, Pakistan invited South Africa to bat first. However, the Proteas took full advantage of the conditions — Laura Wolvaardt scored 90 runs, Marizanne Kapp remained unbeaten on 68, and Sune Luus added 61. South Africa posted 312 for 9 in 40 overs (after a rain-shortened match), their highest-ever World Cup total.
The bizarre Duckworth-Lewis twist
Even after South Africa’s innings, the rain refused to relent. Following multiple interruptions, Pakistan was set a revised target of 234 runs in 20 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method. When play was finally halted, Pakistan had managed just 83 for 7, giving South Africa victory by a massive margin of 150 runs (as per the adjusted calculations).
Marizanne Kapp claimed three wickets, earning her the Player of the Match award.
Australia vs England today
In Indore, Australia and England face off today (from 3:00 p.m.). Both teams have already secured their semi-final berths, but this clash will decide who tops the league standings. South Africa has also qualified for the semis, while Bangladesh and Pakistan are now out of contention.
India’s road ahead
India currently sits fourth on the points table. To stay in the race, India must defeat New Zealand on Thursday and Bangladesh on Sunday. However, both New Zealand and Sri Lanka also remain in contention for a semi-final spot in the match scheduled for October 29.