Pakistan fall short as South Africa women seal ODI series with 16-run win
“Pakistan mounted a spirited chase of 361 but were all out for 345 as South Africa won by 16 runs to clinch the ODI series.”
Key points
- Pakistan mounted a spirited chase of 361 but were all out for 345 as South Africa won by 16 runs to clinch the ODI series.
- Key knocks from Dercksen and Brits set up the hosts, while Zafar and Fatima Sana led Pakistan’s fightback.
South Africa’s women secured a 16-run win over Pakistan in the ICC Women’s Championship ODI series at SuperSport Park, taking an unassailable series lead with a match still to play.
After choosing to bat, South Africa built momentum through openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tasmin Brits, with Brits’ quick 77 setting the tone. In the middle order, Sune Luus compiled a measured 57 while Annerie Dercksen produced the standout innings, smashing 90 off 68 balls with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. A late burst from Nadine de Klerk further boosted the hosts to a massive total.
Chasing a record 361, Pakistan slipped early to 24 for two but recovered through a strong partnership between Sadaf Shamas and Ayesha Zafar. Zafar made 75 while Shamas contributed 61 to keep the chase alive.
South Africa’s fielding errors and extras—reported as 30 in total, including 24 wides—kept Pakistan in the contest. Captain Fatima Sana struck an aggressive 52 from 36 deliveries, swinging momentum and threatening a dramatic finish.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 345 in the penultimate over, leaving South Africa with the victory and the series. The teams are set to travel to Durban for the final ODI on Sunday.
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