South Africa moved up to second place in the Women’s World Cup rankings with a comprehensive 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a rain-shortened match in Colombo.
Setting an adjusted Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) target of 121 to win in 20 overs, the Proteas cruised to victory in 15 overs with captain Laura Wolvaardt hitting a superb 60 not out off 47 balls.
The stylish right-hander shared an unbroken opening stand of 125 with Tazmin Brits, who hit the winning runs with a six to finish unbeaten on 55 off 42.
South Africa’s fourth consecutive victory puts them above England and just one point behind leaders Australia.
A lengthy downpour 12 overs into the match looked set to result in a fourth washout at the R Premadasa Stadium, but the rain stopped just in time for a 20-over match to take place.
Sri Lanka, who were 46-2 when their players were sent off, battled to 105-7, but even after the DLS boost they never threatened to really challenge South Africa.
Opener Vishmi Gunaratne was stretchered off before the rain after a shy at stumps hit her inside the knee as she sprinted for a quick single and forced her to retire injured.
But no serious damage was done and she came after the rain break to score the tournament co-hosts’ best score with 34 from 33 balls.
Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba took 3-30 for South Africa, while seamer Masabata Klaas took 2-18 before rain.
The defeat leaves Sri Lanka winless and, with just two matches remaining, their hopes of reaching the semi-finals are looking increasingly slim.
