South Africa women secure 37-run win over Pakistan

South Africa – Pakistan – (Web Desk) – South Africa women’s national cricket team defeated Pakistan women’s national cricket team by 37 runs in a rain-reduced 41-over first ODI at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday. Batting first, South Africa scored 260-6, powered by a brilliant unbeaten 93 from Sune Luus. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 223 in 38.5 overs despite a strong fight.

Pakistan recovered after early wickets thanks to an impressive 126-run partnership between Sidra Amin and Ayesha Zafar, setting a new national record for the third wicket in women’s ODIs. Sidra scored 68 from 69 balls, while Ayesha played a superb innings of 81 from 94 deliveries. Later, Aliya Riaz added a quick 32, but Pakistan still fell short.

Luus also made an impact with the ball, taking key wickets, while South Africa’s bowlers kept pressure in the closing stages. Earlier, South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals, but Luus and Sinalo Jafta built an unbeaten 90-run stand for the seventh wicket, with Jafta scoring 57 not out. Their partnership helped South Africa reach a strong total, which proved enough to secure victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.

England Crush Sri Lanka in Super Eights Opener

Nashra returned figures of 9-0-45-2.

Scores in brief:

South Africa women beat Pakistan women by 37 runs at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

South Africa 260-6, 41 overs (Sune Luus 93 not out, Sinalo Jafta 57 not out, Laura Wolvaardt 43, Annerie Dercksen 31; Nashra Sundhu 2-45)

Pakistan 223 all out, 38.5 overs, (Ayesha Zafar 81, Sidra Amin 68, Aliya Riaz 32; Tumi Sekhukhune 3-50, Sune Luus 2-31, Nadine de Klerk 2-36)

Player of the match: Sune Luus (South Africa)

Pakistan Women’s tour of South Africa ODI series schedule: (22 February to 1 March)

1st ODI – South Africa beat Pakistan by 37 runs

2nd ODI – 25 February – SuperSport Park, Centurion (day/night) at 4pm PKT

3rd ODI – 1 March – Kingsmead, Durban (day) at 1pm PKT