South Africa Women took an easy and convincing 2–0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Pakistan. South Africa Women defeated Pakistan Women by 25 runs (DLS method) in the 2nd ODI at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Thursday. Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt had a record-breaking partnership that set the tone of victory. Afterwards, the bowlers decided to trouble Pakistan and clinch the series.
In the 2nd WODI, Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first. In the first innings, Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt displayed a batting masterclass. They built the partnership of 260 before Wolvaardt was dismissed by Diana Baig. Wolvaardt scored the hundred (100/129), smashing ten boundaries. She provided stability on the other end. Brits produced the innings of her career, smashing 171 off just 141 deliveries with 20 fours and four sixes. Their 260-run opening partnership helped South Africa to build a total of 292 in 46 overs. Diana Baig was the only bowler to make an impact for Pakistan. She took two wickets by giving 45 runs.
Rain interruptions revised Pakistan’s target to 313 in 46 overs. After an early wicket of Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin gave the hosts hope with their partnership. Their partnership was, however, broken by Masabata Klaas. Klaas dismissed Omaima Sohail for (43/38). Sidra Amin became the hope of her team and struck 122 from 110 balls, mixing elegance with aggression. She found solid support from Natalia Pervaiz. Pervaiz supported Amin and scored 73 off 60 balls. Pakistan was looking good in the chase, but a dramatic collapse in the final overs disrupted their chances of winning the match. Pakistan got all out on 287 in 44.4 runs and lost the match by 25 runs (DLS method).
South Africa’s bowlers maintained tight discipline in the last overs to win this match for the team. The most successful bowler for South Africa in this match was Nadine de Klerk, as she took three wickets, giving 45 runs in 6.4 overs. Chloe Tryon and Marizanne Kapp also played a crucial role in the bowling line-up and took two wickets each. Kapp recorded bowling figures of (2/37) in seven overs, whereas Tryon recorded (2/55) in 10 overs. The bowlers really stepped up when it was needed the most, showcasing their skills in the final overs and putting the pressure on Pakistan’s middle and lower order.
Brits was named Player of the Match for her spectacular knock as South Africa sealed the WODI series just before the World Cup. South Africa will now eye a clean sweep in the third and final ODI. Meanwhile, Pakistan will be looking forward to coming back stronger and gaining momentum before the World Cup.
The series win for South Africa will be a massive boost just ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, just around the corner. The good form of their batters and bowlers will also give them confidence. Dominant batting displays and the composure shown by their bowlers under pressure highlight the team’s balance and readiness for the tournament. On the other hand, Pakistan, despite falling short, will find positives in the fighting knocks of Sidra Amin and Natalia Pervaiz. Pakistan will have to look into the gaps to be prepared for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
