COLOMBO (SNP Report): South Africa wrapped up their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 preparations in style with a commanding four-wicket victory over Pakistan in their final warm-up clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday. Meanwhile in Bengaluru, England completed a remarkable turnaround to defeat Australia by four wickets in another high-voltage warm-up encounter.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a competitive 229 for 9 in 46 overs after opting to bat. Despite losing opener Muneeba Ali early to Ayabonga Khaka, the innings was kept afloat by Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz, who rebuilt cautiously before quick strikes by Annerie Dercksen and Chloe Tryon halted the momentum.
Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana produced a fighting 64 to push the total past 220, but regular breakthroughs prevented any late flourish. Masebata Klaas delivered crucial blows at the death, dismissing Sana and wrapping up the innings.
South Africa’s reply started disastrously as batting mainstays Laura Wolvaardt (7), Tazmin Brits (5), and Marizanne Kapp departed cheaply. However, Sune Luus and Anneke Bosch consolidated smartly, taking the score to 101/3 before rain halted proceedings.
After resumption, Bosch brought up a brisk fifty and Luus followed with her own half-century as the duo crossed a 100-run stand. Retiring after laying a strong platform, they left Chloe Tryon to complete the job. The experienced all-rounder struck an unbeaten 40, guiding South Africa to 233/6 in the 41st over and sealing a clinical win despite early turbulence.
In another warm-up thriller, Alice Capsey produced a match-winning unbeaten 88 to steer England to a four-wicket victory over Australia in Bengaluru.
Chasing 248, England were in early trouble at 32-3 after Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones and Heather Knight departed cheaply. However, Capsey steadied the innings alongside Sophia Dunkley in a crucial 82-run stand. Dunkley made a composed 54 before edging behind off Darcie Brown, while Danni Wyatt-Hodge added just 10.
Capsey continued her charge, finding strong support in Emma Lamb. She fresh off an 81 against India in England’s previous fixture, scored a fluent 60 as the pair added 109 for the fifth wicket. Lamb fell with only four runs needed, but Capsey finished the job in the 45th over to seal an impressive comeback.
Earlier, England had staged a spirited performance with the ball, bowling Australia out for 247 in 34.4 overs. Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn triggered a dramatic collapse with outstanding figures of 5-32. Lauren Bell struck in the first over to remove captain Alyssa Healy, but Australia built early momentum through Phoebe Litchfield’s 71 off 48 balls.
Despite rotating their side and resting Ellyse Perry, Australia’s middle order crumbled from 128-3 to 167-8, before Beth Mooney’s late 59 offered resistance.
English