Sri Lanka look to carry batting momentum against South Africa today

Nilakshika Silva soaks in the applause after scoring the fastest 50 of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 

South Africa’s left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba

ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup

• Crucial game to keep semi-final chances alive

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Following the hairy escapes they experienced in their wins against India and Bangladesh, where they managed to squeeze out a three-wicket win against both teams with seven balls and three balls to spare, South Africa will be very wary of the subcontinent sides they come across in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

Today, they will confront Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka are still without a win after four games, two of which have ended in no-results because of bad weather.

Since being bowled out for 69 in their opening fixture against England, which they lost by 10 wickets, South Africa has won their next three games on the trot, although the last two have been close shaves against Asian sides.

Sri Lanka will present a new challenge for them as they look to consolidate their position at no. 3 in the table and move further up. South Africa will be very much circumspect of what Sri Lanka are capable of. 

The last occasion they met in the third WODI at Potchefstroom last year, Sri Lanka successfully chased down South Africa’s total of 301-5 to win by six wickets with 33 balls to spare. That sensational run chase was spearheaded by Sri Lankan Captain Chamari Athapaththu, who hit a career-best 195* to overshadow the 184* scored by her rival skipper Laura Woolvaardt. 

Both Captains will face each other once again, with the majority of pressure being on Sri Lanka to somehow force a win to be in contention for a semi-final place, while for South Africa it wouldn’t matter much if they lose as they are sitting pretty in third place with three wins from four matches.

As it is at present, Sri Lanka cannot afford to lose any more points to bad weather or a loss. They have to win their remaining three matches against South Africa, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to have any chance of making it to the last four.

“I am confident that we will be able to carry the same batting momentum we displayed against New Zealand for tomorrow’s match. We have identified the weaknesses in the team. We have a good side—if we play to our strengths we will be able to win,” said Sri Lanka’s middle-order batter Nilakshika Silva, who scored the fastest fifty of the tournament in the match against New Zealand off just 26 balls.

Over the last 12 months or so Nilakshika has improved her run scoring ability and boundary strike rate considerably. 

When questioned about the transformation Nilakshika replied: “During New Zealand’s tour to Sri Lanka early this year it was pointed out that I was not scoring many runs on the off side. I think I have rectified that shortcoming after that series. During practices also I bat like I am in a match. I think my mindset is in a good space these few months. Batting at no. 6 is not an easy position but the coaching staff believes in my skills. I was able to play my natural game because the batters at the top had got runs on the board.”

Nilakshika said that even at the age of 36 she is able to contribute to the team because of her fitness. “If you are to continue playing you need to retain your fitness. I do my fitness with a lot of keenness, that’s why I think I am still able to continue playing.”

Continuing further Nilakshika stated that since Rumesh Ratnayake took over as head coach the players had gained a lot of confidence. “He has given us a lot of freedom and it has helped to improve our performances.”

Talking of the opposition they expect from Sri Lanka, South Africa’s left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba said,” I just feel like each and every team is very hard to play against. We played against Sri Lanka in a tri-series and also played against them at home. They beat us in a few games and yeah, they definitely have a good team. The spinners, they’re very good. And Athapaththu herself, she’s done a lot for the team. So as a team we don’t undermine anyone, we just play our own game and try our best to win it.”

“As a team we kind of know the players, especially me as a bowler. I know there are ways to bowl, to their strengths and weaknesses. So it is very important for me to actually read and to know the players.”