NEW DELHI: Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits starred with unbeaten half-centuries as South Africa cruised to a 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a rain-affected Women’s World Cup game on Friday, edging closer to the semifinals.

Chasing a revised target of 121 under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method after over five hours of rain interruptions, Wolvaardt made 60 not out off 47 balls while Brits contributed 55 not out from 42 deliveries, guiding South Africa to 125 without loss in 14.5 overs. Brits sealed the win with a flat six over midwicket.

Earlier, left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba starred with 3/30 in tricky wet conditions, helping restrict Sri Lanka to 105 for seven, despite Vishmi Gunaratne’s brisk 34 off 33 balls.

Sri Lanka had a shaky start, losing two wickets for 37 runs in 10 overs before rain halted play with the home team at 46/2 in 12 overs. Gunaratne, forced to retire hurt after a knee knock, returned later to hit some crucial boundaries, though the South African bowlers and fielders handled the wet conditions impressively.

Masabata Klass gave South Africa an early boost by removing Hasini Perera and captain Chamari Athapaththu cheaply. After a slow start to the tournament, South Africa have now won four consecutive games, bouncing back from their 69-run collapse against England. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win, with two points from five matches, having picked up washout points against Australia and New Zealand.

(With PTI Inputs)