Asher Butt
Pakistan Women ended the ODI series on a positive note, defeating South Africa by six wickets in the third and final match at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu delivered a career-best spell of 6 for 26, while opener Sidra Amin anchored the chase with a composed half-century, ensuring Pakistan closed the series 2-1.
South Africa, having already secured the series with victories in the first two ODIs, opted to bat first but were skittled for just 115 in 25.5 overs. The visitors’ innings started steadily with Laura Wolvaardt (28) and Tazmin Brits (20) adding 38 for the first wicket. But once Diana Baig removed the South African captain, the batting lineup collapsed spectacularly.
Nashra Sandhu ran riot through the middle and lower order, spinning Pakistan into complete control with a relentless nine-over spell. Her six-wicket haul reduced South Africa from 59-2 to 94-8, before Syeda Aroob Shah cleaned up the tail with two quick wickets.
Chasing a modest target, Pakistan overcame early setbacks as both Omaima Sohail and skipper Fatima Sana fell without scoring. But Sidra Amin (50 off 94)* and Muneeba Ali (44 off 76) combined for a crucial 65-run partnership, steering the hosts to safety. Natalia Pervaiz (14) added late runs before Eyman Fatima (2)* struck the winning runs with nearly 19 overs to spare.
For South Africa, Nonkululeko Mlaba (2-46) and Nadine de Klerk (2-19) were the only wicket-takers in an otherwise lacklustre bowling effort.
Though South Africa clinched the series 2-1, Pakistan’s emphatic finish lifted morale ahead of the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup. Nashra’s spell stood out as one of Pakistan’s best-ever ODI bowling performances, while Sidra Amin’s reliability at the top continues to be a cornerstone of the team’s batting unit.
With the World Cup around the corner, Pakistan will take confidence from this win as they shift focus to their preparations in Sri Lanka, hoping to carry the momentum forward.
