ICC Women's World Cup: South Africa seal fourth consecutive win after beating Sri Lanka

Set to chase down a target of 121 in 20 overs, openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits both scored half centuries as the Proteas reached the score with more than five overs to spare.

Captain Wolvaardt was unbeaten on 60 from 47 balls, that included eight fours, while Brits was 55 not out off 42 deliveries, featuring four fours and two sixes.

The South Africans had earlier restricted the hosts to a total of 105-7 in their 20 overs, which was then adjusted using the DLS method.

After opting to bat first at the toss, Sri Lanka were reduced to 37-2 in the 10th over with Proteas seamer Masabata Klaas (2-18 in 5 overs) removing both Hasini Perera (4) and the dangerous Chamari Athapaththu (11).

With the score on 46-2 after 12 overs, there was rain delay of more than five hours and it seemed the points from the contest would be shared.

The rain relented and the outfield was dried sufficiently enough for the players to return and the match reduced to 20 overs.

The Proteas struggled on a damp outfield but left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba continued her fine form to finish with figures of 3-30 in four overs.

Next up for Wolvaardt and her charges is a clash against Pakistan, also in Colombo on Tuesday, as they eye a place in the World Cup semifinals.