Pakistan Women Claim Victory in the Final ODI against South Africa Women

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• on Oct 12, 2023

In a dramatic final One Day International (ODI) match held in Karachi on 14th September 2023, Pakistan Women secured a thrilling eight-wicket victory against the South Africa Women’s cricket team, preventing their rivals from sealing a 3-0 series sweep. This exciting encounter was marked by impressive performances, including half-centuries from Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof, as well as a resilient 60-run innings by South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk.

Ameen and Maroof’s Heroics Lead Pakistan to Victory

 Having faced setbacks in the first two ODIs, Pakistan’s top order demonstrated resilience in the final match. They confidently pursued South Africa’s target of 186 runs and successfully achieved the victory in just 38 overs.

The opening partnership between Sidra Ameen and Safaf Shamas, which contributed 39 runs, set the tone for Pakistan’s chase. Bismah Maroof then joined Ameen, and together they shared a substantial 110-run partnership for the second wicket, firmly placing Pakistan in control of the game. Both Ameen and Maroof reached their half-centuries, but Ameen was dismissed after scoring 68 runs from 82 balls.

When Aliya Riaz entered the fray, Pakistan accelerated towards their target. She played a quick innings, hitting three boundaries off Masabata Klaas and ending unbeaten with 19 runs from 14 balls. Riaz and Maroof combined for an unbroken 37-run partnership, covering just 31 balls. Maroof concluded the match with an impressive 60 not out from 98 balls, marking her 19th ODI fifty.

South Africa’s Early Struggles

 In contrast, South Africa’s innings began on a challenging note as their captain, Laura Wolvaardt, was bowled out by Sadia Iqbal in the very first over. Despite a brief 35-run partnership between Tazmin Brits and Laura Goodall, the game took a turn for the worse when Goodall retired hurt in the eighth over. Upon her return to the crease in the 17th over, South Africa had lost Brits and Sune Luus, and Goodall herself fell victim to a dismissal shortly after. South Africa found themselves at 64 for 4.

However, Marizanne Kapp and de Klerk managed to stabilize South Africa’s innings by adding 36 runs for the fifth wicket. Despite their efforts, Pakistan’s bowlers kept the scoring rate under control, with only one boundary registered between the 14th and 30th overs. Marizanne Kapp’s wicket was claimed by Sadia Iqbal as she tried to clear mid-off.

South Africa’s Collapse and Pakistan’s Victory

Although Delmi Tucker contributed 37 runs in a partnership with de Klerk, South Africa’s innings began to crumble as they slipped from 137 for 5 to 145 for 8. An unfortunate run-out led to the dismissal of keeper-batter Sinalo Jafta.

South Africa’s last two batsmen, Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas, remained at the crease for an extended period, but their collective efforts were not enough to change the course of the game. De Klerk’s valiant innings came to an end after she scored 60 runs from 95 balls. South Africa was bowled out for 185 runs in 48.1 overs, with Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, and Nida Dar taking two wickets each.

This final ODI match between Pakistan Women and South Africa Women showcased outstanding performances and competitive cricket, concluding the series with Pakistan Women securing a memorable victory on their home turf.