Pakistan Women Defeat South Africa in Thrilling ODI

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• on Oct 03, 2023

In a thrilling turn of events, Pakistan Women secured a notable eight-wicket victory against South Africa Women in the final One Day International (ODI) of the series. This win prevented South Africa from claiming a clean 3-0 series sweep. The match witnessed superb performances, most notably from Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof, who both notched up half-centuries, guiding Pakistan to a compelling win while chasing a target of 186.

Sidra Ameen and Safaf Shamas initiated the innings for Pakistan with a steady 39-run opening partnership. However, it was the entrance of Bismah Maroof that truly set the stage for Pakistan’s resurgence. Maroof and Ameen combined forces, forming an impressive 110-run second-wicket stand that firmly placed Pakistan in control. Both of these accomplished batters achieved their respective half-centuries before Ameen departed for a commendable 68 off 82 balls, being dismissed lbw by Nadine de Klerk.

As Aliya Riaz took the crease, Pakistan geared up for a quick chase. Riaz demonstrated her intent with three well-timed boundaries in an over against Masabata Klaas, racing to an unbeaten 19 off just 14 balls. Maroof stood her ground, finishing unbeaten on a remarkable 60 off 98 deliveries, marking her 19th ODI fifty.

On the flip side, South Africa, who had opted to bat, faced an early setback as their captain, Laura Wolvaardt, was dismissed without scoring a run in the very first over, courtesy of Sadia Iqbal. Tazmin Brits and Laura Goodall steadied the ship with a 35-run partnership off 41 balls, but their fortunes changed when Goodall had to leave the field due to an injury.

Upon her return in the 17th over, Goodall’s absence had already seen South Africa lose Brits and Sune Luus. Unfortunately, Goodall herself fell to a catch just two balls later, leaving South Africa at 64 for 4. The team then had to rely on Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk, who managed to steer them toward recovery with a 36-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

However, Pakistan skillfully controlled the scoring rate, allowing only a single boundary between the 14th and 30th overs. It was during this period that Marizanne Kapp fell, failing to clear mid-off and losing her wicket to Sadia Iqbal.

With the match heading to its conclusion, Delmi Tucker partnered with de Klerk, adding 37 runs to the total. Yet, the innings began to unravel, with South Africa sliding from 137 for 5 to 145 for 8. A crucial run-out resulted in the dismissal of keeper-batter Sinalo Jafta.

Despite the late heroics of the No. 10 and No. 11 South African batters, Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas, who together faced a cumulative 29 balls while adding 15 and 25 runs with de Klerk, South Africa was eventually bowled out for 185 in 48.1 overs. Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, and Nida Dar played pivotal roles, each claiming two wickets.

This thrilling final ODI victory demonstrated Pakistan’s remarkable resilience and showcased the remarkable contributions of Ameen and Maroof, ensuring a gripping contest that will be remembered in the women’s cricketing world.