The 3rd ODI of the series was a mere formality with South Africa sealing the three-match ODI series with another comprehensive performance, giving them a 25-run win in the 2nd game of the series to bag the three-game series against the home side Pakistan.
Despite being a dead rubber, there was still a lot to play for both sides, as it marked the final bilateral fixture ahead of the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, hosted by India and partly in Sri Lanka from 30th September to 2nd November 2025.
Both sides made a few changes to their side for the final game of the series. Eyman Fatima replaced Aliya Riaz, and Syeda Aroob Shah replaced Sadia Iqbal in the starting 11 for the home side. South Africa, on the other hand, decided to test their bench strength, as they made five changes: Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen, Nondumiso Shangase, and Tumi Sekhukhune, all of whom were rested. Sune Luus, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, and Nonkululeko Mlaba made their way back into the side.
Nashra Sandhu stun South Africa to a dramatic collapse
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt walked out with a new opening partner in Karabo Meso (12 off 20 balls), as she won the toss and opted to bat first. The pair gave them a brisk start, with a 38-run opening stand, alongside assessing the conditions on offer. Diana Baig got the big scalp of the opposition skipper, Laura Wolvaardt (28 off 23 balls), in the 7th over of the innings to provide a massive first breakthrough for Pakistan.
What followed was just something unimaginable, especially with the kind of performances that have been on display from the South African batting unit throughout the series. A collapse, where batters followed each other back to the pavilion like a pack of nine pins, which resulted in South Africa getting bundled out for just 115, in the 26th over of the innings.
Things could have been even worse for the visitors if not for the brief display of resilience from the likes of Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas, stitching a fighting 21-run stand for the 9th wicket, which took the total past the 100-run mark. Sune Luus (10 off 8 balls), Anneke Bosch (10 off 15 balls), Nadine de Klerk (13 off 24 balls), and Masabata Klaas (13* off 14 balls) were the only other batters to enter the double digits with the bat for South Africa.
Nashra Sandhu (9-2-26-6) was exceptional with the ball for her side, returning with her career-best and overall the 2nd best figures by a Pakistani woman in the format. Omaima Sohail (5.1-0-20-1) and Syeda Aroob Shah (3.5-0-16-2) played a crucial supporting act with the ball for their side.
Sidra Amin’s Fifty
Defending a small total of 116, the South African new-ball bowlers Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba choked the Pakistani opener Muneebal Ali, leading to the departure of Omaima Sohail for a golden duck to spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, to provide the first breakthrough for South Africa in the 2nd over of the run chase.
The bowlers continued their display of immaculate lines and lengths, not letting the home side to score a run for the first 20 balls of the run chase, before the in-form Sidra Amin broke the drought in the 4th over. The duo grew from strength to strength en route to their 65-run opening stand, settling the nerves in the camp.
Nadine de Klerk pulled off a double strike to remove a well-set Muneeba Ali (44 off 76 balls) and the Pakistan skipper, Fatima Sana, for a two-ball duck in the 22nd over to spice up the contest. Natalia Pervaiz (14 off 10 balls) joined Sidra Amin, and the pair took them on the brink of a memorable win with a crucial 38-run partnership for the 4th wicket, which also took them past the 100-run mark.
Nonkululeko Mlaba returned and broke through again to remove Natalia Pervaiz, providing the 4th breakthrough for her side. Sidra Amin yet again steered the run chase, but this time, she ensured that her side got over the line with 6 wickets in hand and 19 overs to spare to avoid an ODI series whitewash at home. She also registered her 12 half-century (50* off 94 balls).
Nashra Sandhu was awarded the Player of the Match for her match-defining spell (9-2-26-6) with the ball for her side. The South African opener walked away with the Player of the Series despite missing the 3rd ODI. She had sensational returns with the bat, scoring 272 runs at a strike rate of 103.81, including a couple of back-to-back centuries, staying unbeaten throughout the series. She was also the leading run-scorer for South Africa and the 2nd highest run-scorer of the series, which ended with an anti-climax (2-1) with South Africa still walking away with a rare off day filled with a lot of learning.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.