
LAHORE – Pakistan Women finished their ODI series against South Africa on a high note, thanks to a stunning spell of left-arm spin from Nashra Sandhu and a composed half-century from Sidra Amin, sealing a six-wicket victory in the third and final ODI at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.
Although South Africa clinched the three-match series 2-1, Pakistan’s performance in the dead rubber provided a much-needed morale boost ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, set to begin later this month. Meanwhile, Nashra became third, following Nida Dar and Sana Mir, and fastest (74 innings) among Pakistan Women’s bowlers to the 100 ODI wickets milestone besides registering her best bowling figures in the format eclipsing her previous best of 4-26 against India in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 at Derby in England. Opting to bat first, South Africa got off to a brisk start, with captain Laura Wolvaardt striking 28 off 23 balls, including six boundaries. At 59-2 in the 9th over, the Proteas looked set for a competitive score. But the game turned dramatically when Omaima Sohail dismissed Karabo Meso, triggering a collapse that Pakistan ruthlessly capitalized on.
Nashra Sandhu then produced one of the finest bowling spells in Pakistan’s women’s cricket history, weaving magic with her flight and guile. She picked up 6-26 in nine overs, dismantling South Africa’s middle order. Sune Luus, Anneke Bosch, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta, and Nadine de Klerk all fell victim to her craft, while Syeda Aroob Shah (2-16) and Diana Baig (1-21) wrapped up the innings. South Africa’s last eight wickets tumbled for only 56 runs as they were bundled out for 115 in 25.5 overs. Masabata Klaas (13 not out) was the only lower-order batter to show resistance, while five batters failed to reach double figures.
In reply, Pakistan’s chase was anchored by the in-form Sidra Amin, who continued her golden run after two back-to-back centuries earlier in the series. She struck an unbeaten 50 off 94 balls, featuring eight boundaries, and guided Pakistan home with calm authority.Opening partner Muneeba Ali contributed 44 from 76 balls in a 65-run second-wicket stand with Sidra that effectively settled the contest.
Although Nadine de Klerk and Nonkululeko Mlaba claimed two wickets apiece, the modest target meant Pakistan faced little pressure. Natalia Pervaiz added a brisk 14 before Sidra, alongside youngster Eyman Fatima, took Pakistan over the line in the 31st over with 114 balls to spare.While South Africa walked away with the series, Pakistan’s ability to bounce back strongly in the final game highlighted their potential.
Scores in Brief
PAKISTAN WOMEN 117-4 in 31 overs (Sidra Amin 50*, Muneeba 44; De Klerk 2-19, Mlaba 2-46) beat SOUTH AFRICA WOMEN 115 in 25.5 overs (Wolvaardt 28, Klaas 13*; Sandhu 6-26, Aroob 2-16) by 6 wickets.