LAHORE – South Africa Women made a powerful start to their three-match ODI series against Pakistan, securing an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the opening game at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Tuesday.
The contest turned into a battle of centuries, with Marizanne Kapp and Tazmin Brits guiding South Africa home after Sidra Amin’s record-breaking ton had given Pakistan a fighting total. Chasing 256, South Africa suffered an early blow when captain Laura Wolvaardt was bowled by Sadia Iqbal for just 4. Sune Luus added 30 before falling lbw to Rameen Shamim, leaving the visitors at a cautious 43/2 in the 10th over. From there, however, it was a one-sided show as Brits and Kapp took complete control.
The pair compiled an unbeaten 216-run stand for the third wicket, a new South African record, blending patience with power. Tazmin Brits crafted a composed 101 not out off 121 balls, her fifth ODI century, striking nine boundaries. At the other end, the experienced Marizanne Kapp played the innings of her career, smashing a career-best 121 not out off 128 deliveries, decorated with 13 fours and two sixes.
Their partnership not only nullified Pakistan’s bowling attack but also ensured South Africa crossed the finish line with ease in 48.2 overs, reaching 259/2. Pakistan’s bowlers, apart from Rameen (1/29) and Sadia (1/41), found little success as they struggled to contain the South African batters.
Earlier put into bat after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 255/4 in 50 overs, thanks largely to the brilliance of Sidra Amin, who remained unbeaten on 121 off 150 balls with 12 boundaries. It was her fifth career ODI hundred, during which she also crossed the milestone of 2,000 career runs, becoming only the third Pakistani woman to achieve the feat after Bismah Maroof and Javeria Khan.
Sidra shared a record-breaking 147-run partnership with Muneeba Ali for the second wicket, Pakistan’s highest for that stand in women’s ODIs. Muneeba, playing her 50th ODI, struck a fluent 76 off 94 balls with 11 fours, recording her fifth half-century. Later, Aliya Riaz contributed a quick 33 off 34 balls, adding 68 for the third wicket with Sidra to keep the momentum going. Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana (3) fell cheaply, while Natalia Pervaiz (5*) accompanied Sidra at the close. For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka was the pick of the bowlers with 2/36, while Tumi Sekhukhune claimed one scalp. With this victory, South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the series. The second and third ODIs will also be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on September 19 and 22, where Pakistan will look to bounce back and keep the series alive.
Scores in Brief
SOUTH AFRICA WOMEN 259/2 in 48.2 overs (Marizanne Kapp 121*, Tazmin Brits 101*, Sune Luus 30; Rameen Shamim 1/29, Sadia Iqbal 1/41) beat PAKISTAN WOMEN 255/4 in 50 overs (Sidra Amin 121*, Muneeba Ali 76, Aliya Riaz 33; Ayabonga Khaka 2/36, Tumi Sekhukhune 1/37) by 8 wickets.
