NEW DELHI: South Africa crushed Pakistan by 150 runs in a rain-hit Women’s World Cup match on Tuesday, moving to the top of the points table.

With this win, South Africa now have 10 points from six matches, going past Australia and England, who both have nine points and play each other next in Indore.

After a delayed start, the game was reduced to 40 overs per side. South Africa scored 312 for 9, led by Laura Wolvaardt’s 90 and half-centuries from Sune Luus (61) and Marizanne Kapp (68).

Rain interrupted again later, and Pakistan were given a DLS target of 234 in 20 overs. Their chase never took off as they finished at 83 for 7.

Pakistan lost four wickets for just 35 runs in ten overs before rain returned. Kapp, who had already scored a quick 68, took three of those wickets to end Pakistan’s hopes early.

Once play resumed, South Africa easily secured two more points.

Earlier, Wolvaardt gave her team a quick start, Luus kept the momentum going, and Nadine de Klerk finished strongly with an unbeaten 41 off only 16 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled throughout. Captain Fatima Sana conceded 69 runs in eight overs, while Sadia Iqbal and Diana Baig were also expensive.

Kapp said she enjoyed batting but was disappointed the team couldn’t play their full 50 overs.

“It was a beautiful wicket to bat on. A bit annoyed we didn’t get to bat the full 50 overs. Wolvaardt and Sune gave us a great start and made things easier. I like batting at No. 5 — I enjoy batting with the lower order,” she said.

On her bowling, Kapp added:

“I didn’t bowl too well today but was lucky to get three wickets. The whole bowling unit has been doing well, and hopefully, we’ll keep improving.”

(PTI Inputs)