Pakistan Women signed off their ODI series against South Africa with a commanding performance, powered by a near-century from Sadaf Shamas and a disciplined collective bowling effort that delivered a consolation win in the third and final match of the series.
Already trailing 2-0, Pakistan were determined to avoid a clean sweep and responded with one of their most complete displays of the tour. After being asked to bat first, the visitors produced a confident top-order effort before their bowlers dismantled South Africa’s chase to seal a convincing victory.
Pakistan’s innings was built around Shamas, who showcased poise and attacking intent in equal measure. The opener weathered an early setback, with Gull Feroza departing cheaply before settling into a match-defining partnership with Sidra Amin.
The duo added 130 runs for the second wicket, rotating strike smartly and punishing loose deliveries. Shamas was particularly fluent on the square of the wicket, striking 16 fours and a towering six as she raced through the 90s. Her innings of 97 from 82 balls ended agonisingly short of a maiden ODI hundred when Sune Luus caught and bowled her, but by then Pakistan were firmly in control.
Luus followed up by dismissing Amin for 41 in the same spell, briefly checking Pakistan’s momentum at 164 for 3 in the 27th over. However, the middle order ensured there was no collapse, keeping the scoring rate healthy heading into the final phase.
The innings received its decisive push from captain Fatima Sana, who arrived late but made a dramatic impact. Batting at No. 7, Sana launched a fearless assault, smashing five sixes and three fours in a rapid 60 off 41 balls. Her power hitting propelled Pakistan past the 300-run mark, a psychologically significant total that put South Africa firmly under pressure.
Chasing 307, South Africa’s response never truly gained momentum. Pakistan’s new-ball bowlers struck early, with Tasmia Rubab and Sana ripping through the top order to leave the hosts reeling at 7 for 3 inside two overs. A stabilising partnership between Faye Tunnicliffe and Annerie Dercksen offered brief resistance. The pair added 85 runs for the fourth wicket, rebuilding cautiously after the chaotic start.
Tunnicliffe’s 47 off 51 balls brought some composure to the innings, while Dercksen, fresh from her match-winning effort in the second ODI; once again looked assured at the crease. However, once Nashra Sandhu broke the partnership, Pakistan sensed an opening. The dismissal reduced South Africa to 92 for 4, and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals thereafter.
Dercksen and wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta added another 50 runs, briefly reviving hopes of a late surge. But Pakistan struck decisively in successive overs, removing both batters and effectively ending the contest at 147 for 6. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal then took charge, claiming three wickets to mop up the lower order and ensure South Africa were bowled out for 186 with overs to spare.
While South Africa still secured the ODI series 2-1, Pakistan’s emphatic win provided valuable confidence heading into future assignments. Shamas’ innings underlined her growing stature at the international level, while the bowling unit’s collective effort showcased Pakistan’s ability to apply sustained pressure with the ball.
