DURBAN: Pakistan Women ended the ODI series on a high note with a commanding 119-run victory over South Africa in the third and final match at Kingsmead on Sunday.
Opting to bowl first, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt saw her decision backfire as Pakistan piled up an imposing 306/8 in their allotted 50 overs. The total was built around a superb knock from Sadaf Shamas and an aggressive half-century from skipper Fatima Sana.
Shamas led the charge with a fluent 97 off 82 balls, striking 16 fours and a six, narrowly missing out on a century. Sana provided late acceleration with a brisk 60 from just 41 deliveries, smashing five sixes and three boundaries. For her composed innings at the top, Shamas was awarded Player of the Match.
Losing wickets
Sidra Amin (41) and Najiha Alvi (36) also made valuable contributions to strengthen Pakistan’s total. For the hosts, Sune Luus returned figures of 3/42, while Nonkululeko Mlaba claimed two wickets.
Chasing a daunting 307, South Africa faltered early, losing three wickets for just seven runs. Although Annerie Dercksen (54) and Faye Tunnicliff stitched together a 90-run stand to revive hopes, regular breakthroughs kept the hosts under pressure.
Dercksen and Sinalo Jafta added another 50 runs before both departed in quick succession, leaving South Africa struggling at 147/6. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control thereafter, dismissing the home side for 187 in 36.2 overs.
Sadia Iqbal led the bowling effort with 3/41, while Nashra Sandhu, Umme-Hani and Sana picked up two wickets each, ensuring Pakistan avoided a clean sweep.
