Sadaf, Fatima lead from front as Pakistan end series on high

LAHORE – Sadaf Shamas’ sublime 97 and captain Fatima Sana’s commanding all-round performance helped Pakistan Women’s team to a 119-run win over South Africa Women in the 3rd One Day International (ODI) at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban on Sunday.

According to the information provided here, this was Pakistan’s first win in the three-match series, which is part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29, after the hosts registered narrow wins in the opening two matches. Asked to bat first, Pakistan posted an impressive 306-8 in their allotted 50 overs.

After Gul Feroza’s early defeat, Sadaf and Sidra Amin rebuilt the innings with a superb 130-run partnership for the second wicket. Sidra made a steady 41 off 64 balls, while Sadaf hit 16 fours and a six in his 97 off 82 balls, falling agonizingly short of his maiden ODI century. Mid-order contributions kept the momentum intact despite a brief wobble. Skipper Fatima took charge along with Najiha Alvi and added a crucial 65 runs for the sixth wicket. Najiha hit 36, while Fatima smashed an unbeaten 60 off just 41 balls, including five sixes, to power Pakistan’s last-gasp attack to take them past the 300-run mark. In South Africa, Sune Luus took 3-42 and Nonkululeko Mlaba took two wickets.

In response, South Africa’s chase faltered early. Debutant Tasmia Rubab bowled her first over and Fatima removed captain Laura Wolvaardt and Luus in quick succession to leave the hosts 7-3 up. An 85-run tussle between Faye Tunnicliffe (47) and top scorer Annerie Dercksen (54) briefly revived hopes, but disciplined bowling from Sadia Iqbal (3-41), Nashra Sundhu (2-25) and Umm-e-Hani (2-35) dismantled the lower order. South Africa were eventually bowled out for 187 in 36.2 overs, and Pakistan ended the series on a positive note with a comprehensive win.