Pakistan women down South Africa in third ODI, but visitors take series

LAHORE: Pakistan women’s cricket team defeated South Africa by six wickets in the third One-Day International on Monday.

Chasing a modest target of 116 runs, Pakistan reached the mark in the 31st over for the loss of four wickets. Sidra Ameen top-scored with 50 runs while Muneeba Ali added 44.

Earlier, South Africa’s batting lineup collapsed within 25.5 overs, with only Laura Wolvaardt offering resistance, scoring 28 runs. Nashra Sandhu produced a match-winning spell, claiming six wickets for 26 runs in nine overs. Aroob Shah picked up two wickets while Diana Baig and Omaima Sohail bagged one apiece.

For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas shared four wickets between them.

Despite the defeat, South Africa clinched the three-match series 2-1.

In July, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had released the calendar for the 2025-26 women’s cricket season. The schedule includef bilateral series, World Cup events, youth tours, and domestic competitions.

The national women’s team began the season with a tour of Ireland in August 2025, where they played three T20 Internationals.

In September, they hosted South Africa for a three-match ODI series in Lahore from September 16 to 22.

The ICC Women’s World Cup will take place from September 30 to November 2. Pakistan’s matches will be held in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan beat India to reach Asian U-16 volleyball final

Pakistan will tour South Africa from February 7 to March 2, 2026. The tour includes three ODIs and three T20Is. In April 2026, Zimbabwe’s women’s team will visit Pakistan for three ODIs and three T20Is, to be played from April 24 to May 11.

Before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England from June 12 to July 5, 2026, Pakistan will participate in a tri-nation T20 series in Ireland. West Indies will also take part in the tournament.