The third ODI between Pakistan Women and South Africa Women unfolded as a commanding display of skill, temperament and all-round dominance from the visitors, who sealed the contest with a resounding 119-run victory. In what turned out to be a one-sided yet eventful clash, the game ebbed and flowed through key partnerships, individual brilliance, and clinical bowling spells that shaped the final outcome.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan endured an early jolt when Gull Feroza departed at 1-31 in 5.1 overs, caught by Nadine de Klerk off Annerie Dercksen for a brisk 13 off 10 balls. But what followed was a defining partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour. Sadaf Shamas and Sidra Amin stitched together a vital 130-run stand for the second wicket, guiding the innings from 31 to 161. Shamas was fluent and authoritative, piercing gaps with precision as she compiled a magnificent 97 off 82 deliveries, laced with 16 boundaries and a six at a strike rate of 118.29. Amin, at the other end, played the stabiliser’s role with a measured 41 off 64 balls before becoming Sune Luus’ second victim at 3-164 in 26.1 overs.
Shamas’ dismissal at 2-161 (24.6 overs), caught and bowled by Luus, momentarily offered South Africa hope. Ayesha Zafar’s 24 off 30 added some momentum before she fell at 4-203 (34.1 overs) to Nonkululeko Mlaba. Najihah Alvi contributed 36 off 46 in a steady partnership, but wickets at 5-216 and 6-281 threatened to stall Pakistan’s late surge. However, skipper Fatima Sana injected explosive energy into the innings with a blistering 60 off just 41 balls, smashing five towering sixes and three fours at a strike rate of 146.34. Her aggressive stand in the death overs propelled Pakistan past the psychological 300-mark. They closed strongly at 306/8 in 50 overs, with 20 extras aiding the cause.
For South Africa, Sune Luus was the standout with figures of 3/42 in nine overs, while Mlaba claimed 2/56 in her full quota. Chloe Tryon chipped in with 1/42, Ayanda Hlubi and Dercksen picked up one apiece, but Nadine de Klerk (0/34 in six overs) was economical without reward.
Chasing 307, South Africa’s innings never quite gained stability. Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed early at 2-7, edging Fatima Sana for just 1. Tazmin Brits fell at 1-5, triggering a top-order collapse that saw them slip to 3-7 within two overs. From there, Faye Tunnicliffe and Annerie Dercksen attempted resistance. Tunnicliffe scored a fighting 47 off 51 balls, while Dercksen anchored the innings with a composed 54 off 67 deliveries. Their 85-run partnership for the fourth wicket (from 7 to 92) briefly steadied the chase.
However, regular breakthroughs stalled any comeback hopes. Sinallo Jafta added 33, but wickets fell consistently: 4-92, 5-142, 6-147, and 7-158. Chloe Tryon (12), Nadine de Klerk (8), and Tumi Sekhukhune (17) couldn’t convert starts. South Africa were eventually bowled out for 187 in 36.2 overs.
Pakistan’s bowling unit was disciplined and relentless. Sadia Iqbal starred with 3/41 in 10 overs, while Fatima Sana supported with 2/29 in five overs. Nashra Sandhu claimed 2/25, and Umm-e-Hani’s off-spin yielded 2/35. Tasmia Rubab also chipped in with a wicket.
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