At 33, Pakistan’s seasoned top-order batter Sidra Amin has etched her name in history, becoming only the third Pakistani woman after Bismah Maroof and Javeria Khan to cross 2,000 career ODI runs.
The landmark came in the first ODI against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where Sidra crafted a majestic unbeaten 121 from 150 balls. Her patient yet authoritative innings, laced with 12 boundaries, not only piloted Pakistan to a competitive 255/4 in their 50 overs but also underscored her enduring value in the Green Shirts’ batting core ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
Sidra Amin’s journey has been built on persistence and resilience. Having made her international debut in April 2011, first in T20Is against Ireland and two days later in ODIs against Sri Lanka at Colombo, her path to becoming Pakistan’s batting mainstay has been one of gradual but consistent growth.
Over 14 years in international cricket, she has now featured in 75 ODIs, scoring 2,099 runs at an average of 30.86 and a strike rate of 62.47. Her record includes 11 half-centuries and 5 centuries, performances that reflect both her durability and adaptability at the top order.
Among her four centuries, none stands taller than her monumental 176* (151 balls) against Ireland at the same Gaddafi Stadium in November 2022. On that occasion, she struck 20 fours and one six, propelling Pakistan to a commanding win by 128 runs and claiming the Player of the Match award.
That innings signaled her ability to dominate and anchor in equal measure, qualities she has once again displayed in Lahore against South Africa. Today’s ton was another reminder of her ability to hold the innings together in challenging conditions, ensuring Pakistan walked into the innings break with momentum.
Crossing the 2,000-run benchmark is another special accolade in Sidra’s career. With Bismah Maroof leading the tally at over 3,000 runs and Javeria Khan established in the 2,000-plus club, Sidra’s entry into this elite group carries great significance for Pakistan. It not only validates her consistency but also highlights her role as a senior figure in a batting lineup currently transitioning under young skipper Fatima Sana.
In this first ODI against South Africa, Fatima Sana opted to bat first after winning the toss, and Sidra’s innings became the backbone of Pakistan’s total of 255/4, a competitive score against a visiting side captained by the formidable Laura Wolvaardt. With two more ODIs to follow on 19th and 22nd September in Lahore, Sidra’s fluency with the bat could prove vital in helping Pakistan assert home dominance against the Proteas.
This landmark, the century, could not have come at a better time. Pakistan are preparing for the grand stage of the 13th ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, scheduled from 30th September to 2nd November 2025 in India and Sri Lanka. Sidra, alongside her younger teammates, will carry the responsibility of steadying Pakistan’s batting when they open their campaign against Bangladesh on 2nd October at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium.
For a tournament seasoned with elite challengers like Australia, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, Pakistan’s prospects hinge greatly on experienced anchors like Sidra Amin finding runs in pressure situations.
From a teenager debuting in 2011 to a reliable senior batter in 2025, Sidra Amin’s career is a symbol of patience rewarded. Her unbeaten century at Lahore is more than just a personal milestone; it is a statement of assurance for Pakistan cricket just days before the World Cup. As she continues her journey past 2,000 ODI runs, Sidra stands firm as a lynchpin in Pakistan’s batting lineup, one whose calmness and grit inspire the next generation.
