In a rain‑kissed, heat‑soaked evening at Gaddafi Stadium, South Africa Women ODI triumph turned into a nail‑biter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The visitors posted 292 for 3 in 46 overs, thanks largely to a breathtaking 171* from opening batter Tazmin Brits. Pakistan fought back valiantly, reaching 287 for 10 in 44.4 overs, but the five‑run margin proved just enough for South Africa to seal the series.
Match highlights
The pitch was described as low and slow, but both sides managed to find the cordon. Brits, who came in at number three, hammered the ball all around the ground, mixing powerful lofted drives with crisp ground strokes. Her partnership with Chloe Tryon for the third wicket stretched to an unbeaten 216 runs – the highest third‑wicket stand in South African Women’s ODI history and the third‑biggest partnership for the team across any wicket.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by the experienced Nida Dar, struggled to find rhythm on the unresponsive surface. They managed just two wickets in the first 20 overs, allowing the South Africans to build a platform that never wavered. Because of the delayed start and a brief rain interruption, the target was revised to 313 runs in 46 overs, adding extra pressure on the home side.
Key performances and records
Sidra Amin was Pakistan’s beacon of hope. Her 100 off 97 balls, packed with ten fours, steadied the innings after early wickets fell. She forged a vital 100‑run partnership with Natalia Pervaiz, who contributed a quick‑fire 50 off 42 balls. Their stand lifted Pakistan back into the hunt, but wickets kept tumbling at crucial moments.
- Record partnership: 216 runs for the third wicket (Brits‑Tryon) – South Africa’s highest ever for that wicket.
- Sidra Amin’s century – first hundred for Pakistan in the series and a rare 100+ in women’s ODIs on a low‑scoring track.
- Natalia Pervaiz’s half‑century – paced at a strike rate of 119, showcasing aggressive intent.
Other contributors for Pakistan included Omaima Sohail’s 36 and Aliya Riaz’s gritty 22, but the tail could not support the chase. South Africa’s fielding unit also made a difference, effecting three catches in the last ten overs, which helped break the partnership between Amin and Pervaiz.
The win not only gave South Africa a 2‑0 lead in the three‑match series but also sent a clear message about their depth in batting. With Brits on form and a record partnership under their belt, the Proteas look set to dominate the remaining fixtures, while Pakistan will need to tighten their bowling plans and find more consistency in the middle order to turn the series around.