Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: Dominant South Africa won’t take Pakistan ‘for granted,’ says Klaas
In South Africa’s dominant win over Sri Lanka at the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, Masabata Klaas proved why she’s such a vital cog in the Proteas’ attack.
Sharing the new-ball responsibilities with Marizanne Kapp, the pacer helped dismantle the top order before rain briefly interrupted play, after which Nonkululeko Mlaba tightened the screws at the end.
Klaas’ early strikes set the tone for a one-sided contest, removing Hasini Perera and the dangerous Chamari Athapaththu in consecutive overs, leaving Sri Lanka on the back foot.
For Klaas, it was all about executing the plan she knows best. “I’m that kind of bowler – I’m attacking. I focus on one thing, and that is to bowl dot balls. If you bowl dot balls, the pressure will come.
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“And I’ll say I’m special in my own way because I can (make the ball) bounce, I can nip the ball in and out,” she said ahead of the clash against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday.
With South Africa already assured of a semifinal spot, Klaas asserted that her side has no intention of taking the upcoming match lightly. “Pakistan is a strong team. We cannot just go there and think that we’re just going to walk in the park. We’re not going to take them for granted.
“But then one thing that’s going to work for us is to stick to basics and do what we’ve been doing from day one of the World Cup,” she added.
The comprehensive 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka has also boosted the team’s confidence, especially among the openers Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt, who are beginning to fire in unison. Klaas believes that collective rhythm will only make South Africa stronger.
“We have been dominating in the middle overs, but now our openers are coming into play. So, imagine if everyone can just come into play, how dangerous we’re going to be as a team..,” she said with a smile.
Published on Oct 20, 2025
