South Africa, under skipper Laura Wolvaardt, has already sealed the three-match ODI series 2-0 against Pakistan, winning the opener by 37 runs and the second by 16 runs, following their 2-1 T20I series triumph. With pride on the line in the finale on March 1, 2026, at Kingsmead, Durban (1:30 PM IST start), Pakistan turns to three key performers: Ayesha Zafar, Fatima Sana, and Syeda Aroob Shah. These players have shone amid the losses, offering glimmers of hope in a tough tour.
Ayesha Zafar
The 31-year-old experienced top-order batter Ayesha Zafar has emerged as Pakistan’s batting beacon in this series, topping the run charts with 156 runs at a strike rate of 96.29 and an average of 78 across two innings. She’s notched consecutive half-centuries, proving her mettle in high-pressure chases. In the 1st ODI, she delivered her career-best 81 off 94 balls from No. 4 in the second innings, smashing 7 boundaries despite a 37-run defeat. She backed it up in the 2nd ODI with another gritty 75 off 68 balls from the same position, including 8 boundaries, in a 16-run loss. At Kingsmead’s bouncy pitch, Zafar’s composure could spark a rare Pakistan fightback.
Fatima Sana
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been a quiet but potent all-round force, blending bat and ball contributions despite the series setbacks. With the willow, she has amassed 57 runs at a strike rate of 126.66 and an average of 28.50 over two innings, including a half-century. Her bowling adds bite: 2 wickets at an economy of 7.93 across two spells. In a dead rubber, Sana’s leadership and explosive potential, evident in that quick fifty, could ignite Pakistan’s middle order with the bat, or break South Africa’s rhythm with the ball, especially if conditions favour seamers early at Durban.
Syeda Aroob Shah
Leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah has been Pakistan’s bowling standout, snaring 3 wickets at an average of 29.33 and a miserly economy of 4.88 in two innings. She’s no slouch with the bat either, chipping in 48 runs at a strike rate of 90.56 and an average of 24 across two outings. Her variations have troubled South Africa’s middle order, and on Kingsmead’s turning track potential, Shah could turn the game with timely breakthroughs. Paired with her lower-order cameos, she embodies Pakistan’s all-round resilience in this finale.
These three could make the 3rd ODI more competitive than the scoreline suggests, giving Pakistan fans something to cheer amid the whitewash threat.
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