Sidra Ameen’s Unbeaten Century Powers Pakistan to 255 in First ODI Against SA

Aliya Riaz chipped in with a quick 33 runs off 5 fours before being run out.

By News Editor On Sep 16, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team set a competitive target of 256 runs for South Africa in the first One Day International (ODI) of the series, being played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The highlight of the innings was an outstanding unbeaten century by opener Sidra Ameen, who anchored the innings with a composed 121* off 150 balls, including 12 boundaries.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana elected to bat first. The decision paid off as Sidra Ameen and Muneeba Ali built a strong partnership at the top. Muneeba played a solid knock of 76 runs off 94 balls, laced with 11 fours, before she was trapped LBW by Ayabonga Khaka.

Sidra continued her dominance with the bat, remaining not out till the end and guiding Pakistan to a total of 255 for 4 in the allotted 50 overs. The opening partnership, despite an early loss of Shawaal Zulfiqar for a duck, set the tone for a solid batting display. Shawaal was dismissed after facing just three balls, caught by Sinalo Jafta off Khaka’s bowling.

Aliya Riaz chipped in with a quick 33 runs off 5 fours before being run out. Captain Fatima Sana and Natalia Pervaiz couldn’t add much to the scoreboard but supported Sidra in the final overs. Natalia remained not out with 5 runs, partnering Sidra in a steady finish.

For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka was the most successful bowler, taking 2 wickets, while Tumi Sekhukhune claimed one.

This match is part of a crucial three-match ODI series serving as preparation for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The tournament will be hosted under a hybrid model in India and Sri Lanka due to ongoing political tensions, with all of Pakistan’s matches scheduled in Colombo.

Ahead of the series, the Pakistan team underwent an intensive two-week training camp at the National Cricket Academy and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Captain Fatima Sana emphasized in her pre-series press conference that the primary goal is World Cup preparation, and this series provides a perfect opportunity to fine-tune their game plans.

She acknowledged the team’s historical reliance on bowling but stressed that this time, special attention has been given to improving the batting department during the training camp.

The three ODIs are scheduled for September 16, 19, and 22, all starting at 3:30 PM local time at the Gaddafi Stadium. The 15-member Pakistan squad, led by Fatima Sana, also includes emerging player Imaan Fatima, who recently made her T20I debut against Ireland.

This series is also vital for both teams to finalize their strategies ahead of the eight-team Women’s World Cup taking place from September 30 to November 2.

In the head-to-head record, South Africa holds the upper hand in ODIs with more wins across 28 encounters. However, Pakistan will take confidence from their last meeting on September 14, 2023, in Karachi, where they defeated South Africa by 8 wickets.

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