Pakistan marched to a 119-run triumph in the third ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) One-Day International (ODI) against the Proteas Women during the fifth edition of Black Day in Durban on Sunday. The result saw South Africa secure the series 2–1.
Image supplied by CSA
Sadaf Shamas stormed to an 82-ball 97 (16 fours, 1 six) alongside Fatima Sana’s 60 off 41 deliveries (3 fours, 5 sixes) to help the tourists post an outstanding 306/8. South Africa was dismissed for 187 in their reply despite a spirted half-century from Annerie Dercksen (54 off 67 balls; 3 fours, 2 sixes).
South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first, a challenge the touring side embraced from the outset. Sadaf Shamas and Gull Feroza (13) shared a 31-run opening partnership before Annerie Dercksen (1/40) made the breakthrough.
Despite the early wicket, Shamas continued to attack, bringing up her second half-century of the series as Pakistan advanced to 77/1 after 10 overs.
Shamas then combined effectively with Sidra Amin (41), with the pair compiling a commanding 130-run partnership. The duo dispatched the ball to all parts of the ground before Suné Luus turned the tide with two crucial breakthroughs in the space of two overs. Luus removed Shamas three runs short of a deserved century before bowling Amin to leave Pakistan on 164/3.
With two new batters at the crease, the visitors maintained the momentum. Ayesha Zafar (24) and Najiha Alvi (36) added 39 runs before Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/56) accounted for Zafar.
The Proteas Women tightened their grip thereafter, claiming the wickets of Umm-e-Hani (4) and Alvi through Luus and Chloé Tryon (1/42) respectively.
Fatima Sana produced a quickfire half-century to propel Pakistan towards an imposing total before Ayanda Hlubi (1/47) had her caught in the deep. Mlaba then claimed the final wicket of Tasmia Rubab (6) as Pakistan closed on 306/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
With South Africa needing a record chase, they began their innings on the backfoot as Sana (2/29) removed opposition captain Laura Wolvaardt (1) and Suné Luus (0) while Rubab (1/19) had Tazmin Brits (4) caught at point to reduce the hosts 7/3 after two overs. Faye Tunnicliffe and Dercksen steadied the innings with a vital 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket, guiding the Proteas to 57/3 at the end of the powerplay.
The pair continued to rebuild, taking South Africa close to the 100-run mark before Tunnicliffe was caught and bowled by Nashra Sandhu (2/25) for 47. Dercksen then found support in Sinalo Jafta (34), with the duo adding 52 runs. The partnership saw Dercksen raise her fourth ODI half-century before Jafta was dismissed, hitting a return catch to Sadia Iqbal (3/41).
With the Proteas Women 142/5 after 26 overs, Dercksen fell soon after, caught and bowled by Umm-e-Hani (2/35).
That dismissal effectively ended the resistance, as Pakistan claimed the remaining four wickets for just 40 runs to seal a comprehensive 119-run victory with 13.4 overs to spare.
Luus was named Player of the Series after amassing 150 runs across three innings and claiming six wickets.
Proteas Women’s ODI Squad:
Laura Wolvaardt (Fidelity Titans) (Captain), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), *Fay Cowling (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions) and Faye Tunnicliffe (World Sports Betting Western Province)
