KARACHI: In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp orchestrated South Africa’s commanding 127-run victory over Pakistan in the first Pakistan Women vs. South Africa Women One Day International (ODI).
Facing a target of 293, Pakistan Women’s batting lineup faltered, managing only 165 runs before being dismissed in the 37th over, despite Aliya Riaz’s valiant 49.
Pakistan’s pursuit of the formidable target began on a shaky note, with wickets falling at regular intervals, ultimately leading to their downfall and a convincing triumph for South Africa.
All-rounder Aliya Riaz emerged as the lone warrior for the home side, crafting an unbeaten 49 from 58 deliveries, embellished with six boundaries.
Following Aliya, Muneeba Ali (20) and Sidra Ameen (19) made modest contributions, but the team’s total remained well below the required mark.
Nadine de Klerk and Nonkululeko Mlaba spearheaded South Africa’s bowling effort, each claiming three wickets, while Ayabonga Khaka and Delmi Tucker chipped in with a wicket apiece.
South Africa Batting Against Pakistan
Opting to bat first, South Africa posted a formidable total of 292/4, propelled by the extraordinary centuries from Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp.
At the onset, South Africa’s openers provided an explosive start, attacking the Pakistani bowlers early on. However, both openers were dismissed in successive overs, leaving South Africa at 40/2 within the initial five overs.
The prolific opening duo of Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt, who had been in sensational form, could only contribute 17 runs each in this first encounter of the Pakistan Women vs. South Africa Women ODI series.
At number three, Lara Goodall aimed to steady the ship, forging a cautious 24-run partnership with Luus. However, her innings was truncated by Aliya Riaz in the 10th over.
With the score at 64/3, veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp partnered with Sune Luus to engineer a remarkable recovery.
Luus and Kapp assumed authority against the Pakistan bowlers, fashioning a colossal fourth-wicket partnership, amassing an astounding 183 runs for the team’s cause.
In the 44th over, Pakistan secured a vital breakthrough when Nashra Sandhu dismissed Kapp shortly after she notched up her century.
Marizanne Kapp’s outstanding century comprised 100 runs from 105 deliveries, embellished with 12 boundaries and a six.
Following Kapp’s departure, Sune Luus collaborated with Nadine de Klerk, orchestrating an unbroken 45-run partnership that propelled South Africa to a total of 292/4. In the process, Luus also secured her century.
Sune Luus emerged as the highest run-scorer for South Africa in this inaugural Pakistan Women vs. South Africa Women ODI, amassing an impressive 107 runs from 129 balls, adorned with seven boundaries.
Nashra Sandhu led Pakistan Women’s bowling attack, securing 2/50 in her 10 overs, while Umm-e-Hani and Aliya Riaz each claimed one wicket.
