The rivalry between the Sri Lanka Women’s National Cricket Team and the South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team has steadily grown in modern women’s cricket. What began as a one-sided contest has evolved into a more competitive and engaging matchup. Their timeline reflects progress, resilience, and the rising standard of women’s cricket across the globe.
Recent Sri Lanka Women Vs South Africa
Tournament
Venue
Date
Sri Lanka Women Score
South Africa Women Score
Result
ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
17 Oct 2025
105/7 (20 ov)
125/0 (14.5 ov, T:121)
South Africa won by 10 wickets (DLS)
Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Nation Series
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
9 May 2025
239 (42.5 ov, T:316)
315/9 (50 ov)
South Africa won by 76 runs
Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Nation Series
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
2 May 2025
237/5 (46.3 ov, T:236)
235/9 (50 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets
SA vs SL Women ODI Series
JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
17 Apr 2024
305/4 (44.3 ov, T:302)
301/5 (50 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets (Historic Chase!)
SA vs SL Women ODI Series
Diamond Oval, Kimberley
13 Apr 2024
229 (49.5 ov)
233/3 (47.4 ov, T:230)
South Africa won by 7 wickets
SA vs SL Women ODI Series
Buffalo Park, East London
9 Apr 2024
23/0 (6.5 ov)
270/6 (50 ov)
No Result (Rain abandoned)
SA vs SL Women T20I Series
Buffalo Park, East London
3 Apr 2024
156/6 (19.1 ov, T:156)
155/6 (20 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets
SA vs SL Women T20I Series
JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
30 Mar 2024
138/3 (18.5 ov, T:138)
137/8 (20 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
SA vs SL Women T20I Series
Willowmoore Park, Benoni
27 Mar 2024
119 (18.2 ov, T:199)
198/5 (20 ov)
South Africa won by 79 runs
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023
Newlands, Cape Town
10 Feb 2023
129/4 (20 ov, T:127)
126/9 (20 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 3 runs (Thriller!)
Commonwealth Games 2022
Edgbaston, Birmingham
4 Aug 2022
46 (17.1 ov)
49/0 (6.1 ov, T:47)
South Africa won (DLS method)
SL Women in SA T20I Series
SuperSport Park, Centurion
6 Feb 2019
124/8 (20 ov, T:164)
163/5 (20 ov)
South Africa won by 39 runs
SL Women in SA T20I Series
The Wanderers, Johannesburg
3 Feb 2019
105 (19.4 ov, T:108)
107/8 (19.5 ov, T:106)
South Africa won by 2 runs (Nail-biter!)
SL Women in SA T20I Series
Newlands, Cape Town
1 Feb 2019
90/8 (20 ov, T:95)
94/3 (14.2 ov, T:91)
South Africa won by 7 wickets
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2018
Darren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia
12 Nov 2018
99/8 (20 ov, T:103)
102/3 (18.3 ov, T:100)
South Africa won by 7 wickets
Head-to-Head Evolution Table
Period
Matches Played
Sri Lanka Women Wins
South Africa Women Wins
No Result
Dominant Team & Key Trend
2000–2015
12
2
9
1
South Africa (strong early dominance in ODIs & T20Is)
2016–2020
15
4
10
1
South Africa (consistent T20I superiority)
2021–2023
10
5
5
0
Evenly poised (SL upset wins in big tournaments)
2024–2026
8
3
5
0
South Africa (recent 10-wicket thrashings & series edges)
Top Performances Timeline
Date
Player
Team
Performance
Match Type
Match Result & Highlight
Oct 17, 2025
Laura Wolvaardt
South Africa Women
60 (47)
T20 (World Cup)
SA won by 10 wkts (DLS) – Captain’s knock in chase
Oct 17, 2025
Nonkululeko Mlaba
South Africa Women
3 wickets (economical spell)
T20 (World Cup)
Restricted SL to 105/7 – Match-winning bowling
May 9, 2025
Annerie Dercksen
South Africa Women
104 (84)
ODI (Tri-Series)
SA won by 76 runs – Dominant century
Apr 17, 2024
Chamari Athapaththu
Sri Lanka Women
Key role in 305/4 chase
ODI
SL won by 6 wkts – Historic high chase
Feb 10, 2023
Chamari Athapaththu
Sri Lanka Women
Match-winning contribution
T20 (World Cup)
SL won by 3 runs – Last-over thriller
Apr 13, 2024
Tazmin Brits / Laura Wolvaardt
South Africa Women
Strong opening stand
ODI
SA won by 7 wkts – Comfortable chase
Biggest Wins & Closest Matches
Category
Date
Winner
Margin
Venue & Tournament
Highlight
Biggest Win
Oct 17, 2025
South Africa Women
10 wickets (DLS)
Colombo, ICC Women’s World Cup
Chased 121 in just 14.5 overs without losing a wicket
Biggest Win
May 9, 2025
South Africa Women
76 runs
Colombo, ODI Tri-Nation Series
Dominant batting display
Biggest Win
Mar 27, 2024
South Africa Women
79 runs
Benoni, T20I Series
Massive total defended comfortably
Closest Match
Feb 10, 2023
Sri Lanka Women
3 runs
Newlands, T20 World Cup
Nail-biting last-over thriller
Closest Match
Feb 3, 2019
South Africa Women
2 runs
Johannesburg, T20I Series
Heart-stopping finish
Closest Win
Apr 3, 2024
Sri Lanka Women
4 wickets (with 5 balls to spare)
East London, T20I Series
Tense chase completed
Early Encounters and South Africa’s Control (1997–2008)
In the early years, South Africa Women dominated most encounters against Sri Lanka Women. With a more developed cricket structure and better international exposure, South Africa consistently delivered strong performances in ODIs. Sri Lanka, still building its women’s cricket foundation, struggled to match the skill and experience of their opponents. Matches were often one-sided, with South Africa showcasing disciplined bowling and steady batting. However, these early games were crucial for Sri Lanka’s learning and development. They provided valuable exposure to international standards and helped shape the team’s future growth. This phase firmly established South Africa as the stronger side in the rivalry.
Period
Matches
Dominant Team
Key Feature
1997–2002
ODIs
South Africa
Experience Gap
2003–2008
Bilateral
South Africa
One-sided Results
Sri Lanka’s Growth and Improved Performances (2009–2015)
Between 2009 and 2015, Sri Lanka Women began to show noticeable improvement. Their batting lineup became more structured, and their bowlers started delivering more consistent performances. While South Africa continued to win most matches, Sri Lanka started competing in phases, occasionally challenging their opponents. This period marked a transition from heavy defeats to more competitive games. Sri Lanka’s confidence grew as they gained experience in international tournaments. South Africa remained dominant, but the gap between the two teams began to narrow. This phase was important in building Sri Lanka’s identity as a developing cricketing nation.
Year Range
Development
Leading Team
Highlight
2009–2012
Skill Growth
South Africa
Competitive Phases
2013–2015
Team Balance
South Africa
Improved SL Play
Competitive Phase and Close Contests (2016–2019)
The rivalry entered a more competitive phase between 2016 and 2019. Sri Lanka Women improved significantly, producing stronger performances against South Africa. Matches became more engaging, with Sri Lanka pushing South Africa in several games. Although South Africa still held the upper hand overall, the contests were no longer one-sided. The improvement in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack and batting depth made a noticeable difference. This period highlighted the global growth of women’s cricket, where emerging teams began challenging established sides. Fans witnessed more exciting and closely fought matches during this phase.
Year
Format
Winner
Highlight
2016
ODI
South Africa
Close Match
2017–2018
T20/ODI
Mixed
Competitive Games
2019
Series
South Africa
Tight Results
ICC Tournaments and Global Exposure (2020–2022)
During this period, both teams faced each other in ICC tournaments, bringing international attention to their rivalry. South Africa’s experience in high-pressure matches often gave them an advantage, while Sri Lanka showed resilience and determination. Matches were played with greater intensity, as both teams aimed to perform on the global stage. Sri Lanka’s performances reflected their progress, even though South Africa maintained a stronger record. These encounters emphasized the importance of experience, strategy, and consistency in international tournaments.
Year
Event
Winner
Highlight
2020
ICC Event
South Africa
Experience Edge
2021–2022
Tournaments
Mixed
Competitive Stage
Modern Era: A More Balanced Rivalry (2023–Present)
In recent years, the rivalry has become more balanced. Sri Lanka Women have shown significant improvement, with young players stepping up and delivering strong performances. South Africa remains a powerful side with a well-structured team, but matches are now more competitive and unpredictable. The influence of T20 cricket has made games faster and more exciting. Both teams are capable of winning, making their encounters more engaging for fans. This phase reflects the ongoing evolution of women’s cricket.
Year
Format
Winner
Event
2023
T20/ODI
Mixed
Close Matches
2024
Series
Mixed
Balanced Rivalry
2025–Present
Multi-format
Ongoing
Competitive
Key Players and Match-Winning Performances
The Sri Lanka Women vs South Africa Women rivalry has featured several standout performers. South Africa has relied on stars like Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, while Sri Lanka has been led by Chamari Athapaththu. These players have delivered match-winning performances and played crucial roles in shaping the rivalry. Their consistency and ability to perform under pressure have added excitement and quality to these encounters.
Player
Team
Role
Contribution
Laura Wolvaardt
South Africa
Batter
Consistency
Marizanne Kapp
South Africa
All-rounder
Match Winner
Chamari Athapaththu
Sri Lanka
All-rounder
Key Player
Future Outlook and Expanding Competition
Looking ahead, the rivalry between Sri Lanka Women and South Africa Women is expected to grow stronger. With increasing investment in women’s cricket, both teams are developing new talent and improving their performance. Sri Lanka’s steady rise suggests more competitive matches in the future, while South Africa’s strong foundation ensures they remain a formidable opponent. This rivalry reflects the broader growth of women’s cricket, where emerging teams are closing the gap and creating exciting contests.
Factor
Sri Lanka
South Africa
Impact
Strength
Improving
Strong
Competitive Matches
Talent
Emerging
Experienced
Balanced Growth
Future
Rising
Stable
Exciting Rivalry
Conclusion
The timeline of the Sri Lanka Women vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team rivalry highlights the transformation of women’s cricket into a more competitive and global sport. From South Africa’s early dominance to Sri Lanka’s steady rise, this rivalry has evolved into an engaging contest. Key players, improved performances, and growing competitiveness have defined their journey. While South Africa continues to hold an edge, Sri Lanka’s progress ensures exciting matches ahead. As both teams continue to develop and compete at higher levels, this rivalry will play an important role in shaping the future of women’s cricket and inspiring the next generation of players.