South Africa returned to the top of the table and eliminated Pakistan from the World Cup with a 150-run win on the DLS method in a rain-plagued match in Colombo.
It looked like the weather would wash out another match in the Sri Lankan capital, with rain halting play for nearly two and a half hours just two overs into South Africa’s innings and returning 10 overs into Pakistan’s chase.
However, South Africa were able to complete a 40-over innings, with three players scoring half-centuries and Nadine de Klerk blasting 41 (16) to propel the Proteas to 312-9.
Pakistan were then restricted to 83-7 chasing a rain-reduced 234 from 20 overs, down from their initial revised target of 306 in 40 overs and later 262 from 25 overs after multiple disruptions.
Bottom side Pakistan, who needed to win their final two group matches to keep their semi-final hopes alive, join Bangladesh in being eliminated with a game to spare.
Already qualified South Africa, meanwhile, move one point clear of Australia and England, who meet in Indore on Wednesday.
South Africa lost opener Tazmin Brits for her third duck of the tournament in the second over but came out swinging after the rain delay.
Laura Wolvaardt, top scoring with 90, and Sune Luus (61) combined for 118 for the second wicket to lay the foundations for an imposing total before late runs from Marizanne Kapp (68 not out) and De Klerk carried the Proteas beyond 300.
In reply, Ayabonga Khaka removed Muneeba Ali in the second over before Kapp struck three times in 10 deliveries to reduce Pakistan to 35-4 before the rain returned.
After a truncated two-over return, Pakistan were eventually tasked with scoring 186 runs from eight overs to complete the required 20 overs to constitute a match, and with South Africa running deliveries and turning down reviews, they beat both the weather and Pakistan to secure the two points.
