South Africa win first ODI against Pakistan

WEB DESK: Pakistan women cricketers posted a massive 256-run target for four wickets, but South Africa clinched the day-night opening ODI clash by just two wickets.

Top-order batter Tazmin Brits and middle-order stalwart Marizanne Kapp were outstanding in the chase, scoring 101 and 121 runs respectively, leaving only 34 runs for the rest of the team to complete. Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus contributed 4 and 30 runs respectively, bringing the game within just three runs.

The match concluded with three extras conceded by Pakistani bowlers, sealing South Africa’s narrow win.

Pakistan batting-line

Top players Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali were the standout hitters for Pakistan, scoring an unbeaten 121 and 76 respectively, setting a massive 255-run target at the Gaddafi Stadium today.

middle order Aliya Riaz also supported Pakistan for 76 off 94 and 33 off 34 balls each, adding 109 to their team’s total before being downed.

Opting to bat first in the day-night contest, Pakistan lost debutant Shawaal Zulfiqar cheaply in the second over. The young opener edged Ayabonga Khaka to wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta without scoring, leaving the hosts two for one.

From there, the experienced pair of Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali steadied the innings with a measured partnership. While boundaries were hard to come by early on against the disciplined new-ball spells of Khaka and Marizanne Kapp, both batters gradually found their rhythm.

Muneeba struck a series of crisp fours through the off side, while Sidra rotated the strike to keep the scoreboard moving. Their stand crossed 40 as Pakistan pushed the run rate closer to four an over by the end of the 11th over.

At the latest update, Sidra was unbeaten on 19 off 33 balls, while Muneeba had moved to 23 off 30 deliveries. The partnership looked increasingly assured, with Pakistan hoping to lay a solid platform for the middle order.

For South Africa, Khaka’s early strike remained the only breakthrough, though Kapp’s miserly opening spell also kept the pressure on. Spinners Nonkululeko Mlaba and Nondumiso Shangase have since been introduced, but Pakistan’s batters appeared to have settled against them.

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The three-match ODI series is part of South Africa’s ongoing tour of Pakistan and carries points in the ICC Women’s Championship.

According to captain Fatima Sana this series is a contest which is is crucial for preparation ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

With the global event just two weeks away, Sana underlined that facing a strong opponent like South Africa provides the team with a valuable chance to test strategies, sharpen skills, and address shortcomings. “Our specific aim is to prepare for the World Cup and execute our plans in this series. It’s very beneficial for the players to put into practice all the preparation they have done in recent times,” she said at the pre-match press conference, as reported by

The skipper stressed that beyond chasing victories, Pakistan’s focus is on refining combinations, boosting mental toughness, and ensuring readiness for the high-pressure environment in Colombo, where all of their World Cup fixtures will be played. Pakistan open their campaign against Bangladesh on October 2, followed by a high-voltage clash with India on October 5.

The World Cup, running from September 30 to November 2 under a hybrid model in India and Sri Lanka, will pit Pakistan against top sides on neutral ground. Sana admitted this will be the team’s ultimate test of discipline, consistency, and resilience across batting, bowling, and fielding.

Fans, meanwhile, have high expectations after recent improvements and the rise of young talent in the squad. Playing at home against seasoned opponents offers both confidence and momentum, with a strong showing seen as vital to carrying belief into the global stage.

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Led by Fatima’s leadership, backed by senior players’ experience and the energy of newcomers, Pakistan are aiming to use the South Africa series as the launchpad for a meaningful World Cup campaign.