Rain Threatens to Steal the Show in Colombo as South Africa Takes on Sri Lanka in a Crucial World Cup Clash
Welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 showdown between South Africa and Sri Lanka, unfolding in Colombo. But here's where it gets frustrating—Mother Nature seems determined to play spoilsport yet again. Yes, you guessed it—rain is pouring down in Colombo, right in the middle of the rainy season. Who would’ve thought, right? 🙄
LIVE UPDATES: Sri Lanka 105/7 (20) vs South Africa - DLS Target: 121
As of 8:55 PM IST, play is set to resume at 9:10 PM IST, with the match reduced to a 20-over contest. At 8:45 PM IST, the covers were removed, but the umpires appeared hesitant due to wet patches near the boundary. Earlier, at 8:15 PM IST, the covers started coming off, and the umpires were seen discussing with the captains. By 7:30 PM IST, the rain showed no signs of letting up, leaving our correspondent Kavita Menon—and likely many fans—exasperated after the third rain-affected game in a row.
And this is the part most people miss... The match needs to resume by 9:10 PM IST, with Sri Lanka requiring at least eight overs to make it a valid 20-over game. As of 6:30 PM IST, Kavita reported that the rain hadn’t relented, raising fears of another washout—the third consecutive match in Colombo to face this fate. At 5:15 PM IST, Sri Lanka’s Vishmi Gunaratne, who was receiving treatment for a non-serious injury, was confirmed to return to bat if the rain subsides. The weather has been particularly unkind to the home side, adding to their struggles in the tournament.
Controversial Question: Is Colombo’s weather becoming an unfair disadvantage for the host team? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Match Preview:
South Africa enters the game as statistical favorites, leading the head-to-head record 16–6. However, recent form tells a different story. In their last five encounters, both teams have won two matches each, with one washout. The last two meetings at the R. Premadasa Stadium saw both sides secure commanding victories, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. Sri Lanka, still chasing their first win in the tournament, will be hoping for a break in the weather to capitalize on their batting potential, as seen in their rain-curtailed match against New Zealand.
Streaming Details:
Catch all the action live on the Star Sports Network or stream it on JioHotstar.
Playing XIs:
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Karabo Meso (w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (w), Piumi Wathsala Badalge, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera.
Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first.
Bold Prediction: With rain looming, could we see another dramatic DLS finish? Share your predictions below!
Full Squads:
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase. Reserve: Miane Smit.
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya. Reserve: Inoshi Fernando.
Published on Oct 17, 2025.
