South Africa’s home series against Pakistan has been a high-octane affair so far, with South Africa currently holding an unassailable 2-0 lead. In the first match at Bloemfontein, the Proteas secured a 37-run victory after a rain-shortened game where Sune Luus played a match-winning hand of 93. The second ODI in Centurion, however, was an absolute run-fest that rewrote the record books. South Africa posted a massive 361/8, fueled by Annerie Dercksen’s fiery 90. Pakistan didn’t just roll over; they fought back with their highest-ever ODI total of 345, falling just 16 runs short of what would have been a world-record chase. Despite the series being decided, Pakistan has shown they have the firepower to push the hosts to the limit.
Squads:
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Faye Tunnicliffe, Chloe Tryon, Nondumiso Shangase, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Karabo Meso, Sune Luus, Sinalo Jafta, Ayanda Hlubi, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Fay Cowling, Nadine de Klerk, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Umm-e-Hani
Players to watch out:
Fatima Sana
Fatima Sana has been the standout performer of the tour so far, leading from the front with a massive 146 runs in just three innings. She played at an incredible strike rate of 184.81, showing real aggression with 15 boundaries and 9 towering sixes. Her best knock of 90 not out really anchored the Pakistan lineup, and with a staggering average of 73.00, she has proven to be the most difficult batter for South Africa to dismiss.
Laura Wolvaardt
Laura Wolvaardt remains the backbone of South African top order, consistently providing solid starts with 112 runs across her three appearances. She maintained a healthy average of 56.00 and a brisk strike rate of 143.58, highlighted by a composed high score of 61. Known for her timing, she relied on precision over power, finding the fence 14 times while only needing to clear it once to keep the scoreboard ticking for the Proteas.
Sadia Iqbal
Sadia Iqbal has been the primary threat with the ball for Pakistan, finishing the T20 leg with 5 wickets at an impressive average of 12.60. Her left-arm spin was incredibly difficult to get away with, as seen by her tight economy rate of 5.81 and the best bowling performance of 3/18. She consistently troubled the South African batters by attacking the stumps, which is reflected in her sharp strike rate of exactly 13 balls per wicket.
Ayabonga Khaka
Ayabonga Khaka matched the wicket tally at the top of the charts, also claiming 5 scalps to lead the South African bowling attack. While she was slightly more expensive than Sadia with an economy of 8.50, her knack for taking crucial wickets was evident in her best figures of 3/10. She operated with a strike rate of 12.00, meaning she struck nearly every two overs she bowled, providing the Proteas with the breakthroughs they needed at critical moments.
Pitch:
Kingsmead is famously known as a seamer’s wicket, often nicknamed the Green Mamba for the assistance it provides to fast bowlers. While traditionally a haven for pace and bounce, the surface can flatten out as play progresses, rewarding set batters and occasionally bringing spinners into the game.
Weather:
The forecast for Durban features sunny daytime conditions with a high temperature of 31°C and a low of 23°C. Clear skies promise a complete and uninterrupted game of cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Faye Tunnicliffe, Chloe Tryon, Tumi Sekhukhune, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Laura Wolvaardt, Fatima Sana, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal
Match Details:
Date – March 1, 2026
Time – 1:30 PM IST
Venue – Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Jio Hotstar app and website.
Loves all things female cricket