Sadaf Shamas Falls Short of Maiden Ton
After losing opener Gul Feroza early for 13, Sadaf Shamas took centre stage. She combined with Sidra Amin (41) for a crucial 130-run partnership for the second wicket, completely shifting the momentum in Pakistan’s favor.
Sadaf looked destined for her maiden ODI hundred, smashing 16 fours and a six. However, she was dismissed on the very last ball of the 25th over for 97 off 82 balls, just three runs shy of the milestone.
Fatima Sana’s Late Flourish
Following Sadaf’s departure, Pakistan lost a cluster of wickets, slipping to 216-5. However, captain Fatima Sana (60 not out) took charge of the innings. She stitched a vital 65-run partnership with Najiha Alvi (36) before launching a brutal assault in the death overs. Fatima brought up her fifth ODI half-century off just 41 balls, smashing three fours and five sixes to propel Pakistan past the 300-run mark.
Bowlers Seal the Deal
Chasing 307, South Africa’s innings never gained momentum, thanks to a fiery start from the bowlers.
Debutant Tasmia Rubab struck early, removing Tazmin Brits for four. Captain Fatima then delivered a double blow in the space of three deliveries, dismissing Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt (1) and Sune Luus (0) to leave the hosts reeling at 7-3.
Despite a fighting 54 from Annerie Dercksen and 47 from Faye Tunnicliffe, the required run rate continued to climb. The spin trio of Sadia Iqbal (3-41), Nashra Sundhu (2-25), and Umm-e-Hani (2-35) choked the middle order, sharing seven wickets between them to bowl South Africa out for 187.
Scores in Brief:
- Pakistan Women:Â 306-8 in 50 overs (Sadaf Shamas 97, Fatima Sana 60*, Sidra Amin 41; Sune Luus 3-42)
- South Africa Women:Â 187 all out in 36.2 overs (Annerie Dercksen 54, Faye Tunnicliffe 47; Sadia Iqbal 3-41, Fatima Sana 2-29, Nashra Sundhu 2-25, Umm-e-Hani 2-35)
- Result:Â Pakistan won by 119 runs.
- Player of the Match:Â Sadaf Shamas (Pakistan)
- Player of the Series:Â Sune Luus (South Africa)
