The rivalry between Sri Lanka Women and South Africa Women’s National cricket Team has grown into a highly competitive contest in women’s international cricket. Both teams have showcased skill, resilience, and determination across formats, from ODIs to T20s. Their timeline reflects exciting encounters, standout performances, and a rivalry that highlights the rise of women’s cricket globally.
Latest Matches
Match Date
Series / Tournament
Match Type
Venue
Sri Lanka Women Score
South Africa Women Score
Winner
Margin / Result
17 Oct 2025
ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
T20I
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
105/7 (20 ov)
125/0 (14.5 ov, T:121)
South Africa
Won by 10 wickets (DLS method)
9 May 2025
Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Nation Series
ODI
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
239 (42.5 ov, T:316)
315/9 (50 ov)
South Africa
Won by 76 runs
2 May 2025
Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Nation Series
ODI
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
237/5 (46.3 ov, T:236)
235/9 (50 ov)
Sri Lanka
Won by 5 wickets
17 Apr 2024
SA vs SL Women ODI Series
ODI
JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
305/4 (44.3 ov, T:302)
301/5 (50 ov)
Sri Lanka
Won by 6 wickets (Historic Chase!)
13 Apr 2024
SA vs SL Women ODI Series
ODI
Diamond Oval, Kimberley
229 (49.5 ov)
233/3 (47.4 ov, T:230)
South Africa
Won by 7 wickets
9 Apr 2024
SA vs SL Women ODI Series
ODI
Buffalo Park, East London
23/0 (6.5 ov)
270/6 (50 ov)
No Result
Rain abandoned
3 Apr 2024
SA vs SL Women T20I Series
T20I
Buffalo Park, East London
156/6 (19.1 ov, T:156)
155/6 (20 ov)
Sri Lanka
Won by 4 wickets
30 Mar 2024
SA vs SL Women T20I Series
T20I
JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
138/3 (18.5 ov, T:138)
137/8 (20 ov)
Sri Lanka
Won by 7 wickets
27 Mar 2024
SA vs SL Women T20I Series
T20I
Willowmoore Park, Benoni
119 (18.2 ov, T:199)
198/5 (20 ov)
South Africa
Won by 79 runs
10 Feb 2023
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023
T20I
Newlands, Cape Town
129/4 (20 ov, T:127)
126/9 (20 ov)
Sri Lanka
Won by 3 runs (Thriller!)
4 Aug 2022
Commonwealth Games 2022
T20I
Edgbaston, Birmingham
46 (17.1 ov)
49/0 (6.1 ov, T:47)
South Africa
Won (DLS method)
6 Feb 2019
SL Women in SA T20I Series
T20I
SuperSport Park, Centurion
124/8 (20 ov, T:164)
163/5 (20 ov)
South Africa
Won by 39 runs
3 Feb 2019
SL Women in SA T20I Series
T20I
The Wanderers, Johannesburg
105 (19.4 ov, T:108)
107/8 (19.5 ov, T:106)
South Africa
Won by 2 runs (Nail-biter!)
1 Feb 2019
SL Women in SA T20I Series
T20I
Newlands, Cape Town
90/8 (20 ov, T:95)
94/3 (14.2 ov, T:91)
South Africa
Won by 7 wickets
12 Nov 2018
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2018
T20I
Darren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia
99/8 (20 ov, T:103)
102/3 (18.3 ov, T:100)
South Africa
Won by 7 wickets
Head-to-Head Evolution Table
Format
Matches Played
Sri Lanka Wins
South Africa Wins
No Result / Tie
South Africa Win %
Key Trend / Turning Point
ODI
26
6
17
3
~65%
SA dominated early; SL’s historic 302 chase in 2024 shifted momentum
T20I
18–20
6–7
10–11
0
~55–60%
SL won their first-ever series in SA (2024, 2-1) – biggest upset
Test
Very few
0
0
–
–
Rare encounters; no decisive edge
Overall
~45+
~12–13
~27–28
3+
~60%
SA leads historically, but SL rising fast since 2023
Top Performances Timeline
Year
Player
Team
Performance
Match Details
Impact / Record
2025
Laura Wolvaardt
SA
60* (47) + 55* opening stand
World Cup, Colombo (DLS)
Flawless 10-wicket chase
2025
Chamari Athapaththu
SL
Key all-round contributions
Tri-Nation Series, Colombo
Anchored multiple chases
2024
Chamari Athapaththu
SL
195* (highest successful ODI chase ever)
3rd ODI, Potchefstroom
Historic 6-wicket win chasing 302 – one of the greatest ODI innings
2024
Laura Wolvaardt
SA
184*
Same ODI series
Highest individual score in the rivalry
2024
Harshitha Samarawickrama
SL
104* in T20Is
T20I series in SA
Helped SL win maiden series in South Africa
2023
Chamari Athapaththu
SL
68 (50) + match-winning spell
T20 World Cup, Cape Town
SL won by 3 runs – pure thriller
2019
Suné Luus
SA
5/14
T20I, Johannesburg
Best bowling figures in rivalry
2019
Shabnim Ismail
SA
Multiple 4-wicket hauls
Home T20I series
30+ wickets overall vs SL (career record)
Biggest Wins & Closest Matches Timeline Table
Category
Match Date
Winner
Margin / Details
Venue
Why It’s Memorable
Biggest Win
Oct 2025
South Africa
10 wickets (DLS) – chased 121 in 14.5 overs
Colombo (World Cup)
Clinical powerplay dominance
Biggest Win
Mar 2024
South Africa
79 runs (T20I)
Benoni
SA posted 198, SL collapsed
Biggest Win
May 2025
South Africa
76 runs (ODI)
Colombo (Tri-Nation)
Massive total of 315 defended
Historic Chase
Apr 2024
Sri Lanka
6 wickets chasing 302
Potchefstroom
Highest successful ODI chase in women’s cricket history
Closest Match
Feb 2023
Sri Lanka
3 runs (T20 World Cup)
Newlands, Cape Town
Last-over thriller; Chamari heroics
Closest Match
Feb 2019
South Africa
2 runs (T20I)
Johannesburg
Heart-stopping finish
Closest Match
Apr 2024 (2nd ODI)
South Africa
7 wickets (chasing 230)
Kimberley
Tight but comfortable in the end
Rain Thriller
Apr 2024
No Result
1st ODI abandoned after SA 270/6
East London
Frustrating washout
Early Encounters and South Africa’s Dominance
In the initial stages of their rivalry, South Africa Women held a clear advantage over Sri Lanka Women. With a more established structure, experienced players, and exposure to competitive international cricket, South Africa consistently outperformed Sri Lanka. Early matches often highlighted the gap in tactical awareness, batting depth, and bowling discipline. Sri Lanka Women, still developing their squad, faced challenges in adapting to South Africa’s pace attacks and strategic gameplay. Despite the one-sided nature of these early encounters, these matches were valuable for Sri Lanka’s growth, providing players with international exposure and experience in handling pressure situations. South Africa’s dominance in the early period set the benchmark for consistency and professionalism, while Sri Lanka gradually built the foundation to challenge stronger teams in the future. These early contests established the framework for a growing and evolving rivalry.
Year
Format
Winner
Highlight
2004
ODI
South Africa
Strong batting display
2006
ODI
South Africa
Dominant bowling
2008
ODI
South Africa
Tactical superiority
Sri Lanka Women’s Growth and Competitive Edge
Over the years, Sri Lanka Women have improved significantly, making matches against South Africa more competitive. Investments in coaching, infrastructure, and domestic tournaments have strengthened their squad. Their batting has become more resilient, and their bowlers have shown increased discipline and variation. This period marked a turning point, as Sri Lanka Women began to challenge South Africa consistently, particularly in limited-overs formats. Close finishes, strategic gameplay, and emerging talents highlighted the evolution of Sri Lanka as a competitive side. South Africa Women, while still strong, now face a team capable of pushing them into high-pressure situations. The rivalry gained balance during this period, with matches becoming more engaging and unpredictable. Fans witnessed thrilling encounters that showcased determination, talent, and the competitive spirit of both teams.
Year
Tournament
Result
Turning Point
2012
ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier
Close match
Improved batting
2015
ODI Series
Competitive
Strong bowling
2018
T20 Series
Tight contest
Balanced team
Memorable Matches and Key Moments
Matches between Sri Lanka Women and South Africa Women have featured several memorable moments. Close finishes, dramatic run chases, and standout individual performances have defined their encounters. Crucial partnerships, sudden batting collapses, and match-winning bowling spells often determine the outcome. South Africa’s experienced players have consistently influenced results, while Sri Lanka Women’s emerging talents have occasionally pulled off remarkable victories. These moments reflect the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket and the determination of both teams. Fans have enjoyed thrilling encounters that demonstrate tactical depth, resilience, and the unpredictability of cricket. Memorable performances from both sides have added richness to the rivalry and highlighted the progress of women’s cricket on the global stage.
Match Type
Highlight
Impact
ODI Thriller
Last-over finish
High excitement
T20 Clash
Emerging talent shines
Confidence boost
Series Match
Tactical play
Growth indicator
Key Players and Match-Winning Contributions
The rivalry has been shaped by individual brilliance from key players on both sides. South Africa Women have relied on experienced batters and bowlers to dominate crucial moments, while Sri Lanka Women have produced emerging talents capable of turning matches around. Match-winning innings, critical wickets, and all-round contributions have often determined the outcomes of close contests. Players from both teams have used these encounters to develop their international experience and showcase their skills on the global stage. The presence of match-defining performers ensures that every game is exciting and competitive, raising the overall standard of women’s cricket. These contributions have been essential in shaping the rivalry and maintaining fan interest over time.
Team
Player Role
Contribution
Sri Lanka Women
Batter
Crucial runs
Sri Lanka Women
Bowler
Key wickets
South Africa Women
All-rounder
Balanced impact
South Africa Women
Bowler
Match-winning spells
ICC Tournaments and High-Pressure Clashes
Encounters in ICC tournaments have intensified the rivalry, with both teams competing for progression and titles. Sri Lanka Women and South Africa Women have met in World Cups, T20 World Cups, and qualifiers, where stakes are high and performances are closely analyzed. South Africa often uses their experience to dominate, while Sri Lanka Women have surprised opponents with determined performances. These high-pressure matches test players’ skills, strategic thinking, and mental resilience. Close contests in ICC events have added excitement to the rivalry, while providing a platform for emerging talents to gain recognition. These encounters have played a crucial role in strengthening the competitive edge of both teams and contributing to the global growth of women’s cricket.
Tournament
Result Type
Key Factor
Women’s World Cup
Competitive
Pressure handling
T20 WC
Exciting finishes
Aggression
Qualifiers
Balanced
Emerging talent
Modern Era and Future Outlook
In the modern era, the rivalry between Sri Lanka Women and South Africa Women continues to evolve with improved training, fitness, and analytics. Both teams are focused on nurturing young talent and enhancing overall performance. Matches are now more competitive, reflecting the narrowing gap in skill and strategy. South Africa remains a formidable side, while Sri Lanka Women continue to grow as a consistent challenger. The future promises more thrilling encounters, with emerging stars expected to play key roles. Fans can anticipate intense competition, exciting cricket, and memorable performances as this rivalry strengthens further in international women’s cricket.
Aspect
Sri Lanka Women
South Africa Women
Current Form
Improving
Strong
Talent Pool
Growing
Experienced
Future
Promising
Competitive
Conclusion
The timeline of matches between Sri Lanka Women and South Africa Women highlights a journey of growth, competition, and memorable performances. From early South African dominance to increasingly balanced contests, this rivalry has showcased the rising standard of women’s cricket. With both teams continuing to develop, fans can expect thrilling encounters, emerging talents, and intense competition in the years to come.
