Marizanne Kapp and Tazmin Brits produced a batting masterclass to power the Proteas Women to a commanding eight-wicket victory in the opening One-Day International (ODI) against Pakistan in Lahore on Tuesday.
In a stand worth 216 runs, Kapp led the charge with a career-best 121* off 128 deliveries (13 fours, 2 sixes), while Brits provided a composed 101* from 121 balls (9 fours). Their record third-wicket partnership for South Africa ensured the visitors comfortably chased down Pakistan’s 255/4, which featured Sidra Amin’s 121* (150 balls; 12 fours).
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan experienced an early setback when opener Shawaal Zulfiqar (0) edged behind to a sharp one-handed catch from wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta off Ayabonga Khaka (2/36). Amin and Muneeba Ali (76 off 94 balls; 11 fours) then rebuilt the innings, weathering a testing period to share a 147-run, second-wicket partnership. Ali struck her fifth ODI half-century before Khaka struck again, trapping her LBW to leave the hosts 150/2 in the 31st over.
Amin carried on with purpose, finding support from Aliya Riaz (33) in a 68-run stand, but the visitors fought back in the field. Riaz was run out thanks to quick thinking from Nondumiso Shangase and Jafta, before Tumi Sekhukhune (1/37) removed Fatima Sana (3). Despite wickets falling around her, Amin brought up her fifth career ODI century to guide Pakistan to 255/4 at the close of their innings.
South Africa’s reply began nervously, with captain Laura Wolvaardt (4) bowled in the second over by Sadia Iqbal (1/41). Suné Luus (30) looked to counterpunch alongside Brits, adding 43 for the second wicket, before being trapped LBW by Rameen Shamim (1/29).
The contest then became a showcase of South Africa’s batting. Brits and Kapp combined with authority, rotating the strike smartly while punishing loose deliveries. Both brought up memorable centuries, with Kapp’s fourth in ODI cricket and Brits’ fifth, in a match-winning partnership.
The pair’s unbroken 216-run stand is South Africa’s highest for the third wicket in women’s ODIs and carried the visitors to victory with 10 balls to spare.
The second ODI will take place on Friday, 19 September at the Gaddafi Stadium from 15h30 local time (12h30 SAST).
Proteas Women Squad – ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 & Pakistan Tour
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)
Travelling Reserve
Miané Smit (Fidelity Titans)
Fixtures – Pakistan Tour
Tuesday, 16 September at 12h30 – 1st ODI: Pakistan vs South Africa (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
Friday, 19 September at 12h30 – 2nd ODI: Pakistan vs South Africa (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
Monday, 22 September at 12h30 – 3rd ODI: Pakistan vs South Africa (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
