Pakistan ended the ODI series on a high as Nashra Sandhu delivered a career-best spell that stunned South Africa in Lahore. The left-arm spinner produced magical bowling figures of 6 for 26, the second-best in Pakistan women’s ODI history, to inspire a six-wicket win. Despite the dominant performance, South Africa still claimed the series 2-1. Sandhu’s brilliance became the keyword of the day, giving Pakistan a much-needed morale boost after two earlier defeats.
Early Momentum for South Africa
South Africa chose to bat first and looked set for a strong start. Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Karabo Meso attacked from the outset, racing to 38 runs in just 6.4 overs. Wolvaardt led the charge, hammering captain Fatima Sana for boundaries and then taking on fast bowler Diana Baig with two more fours.
However, Pakistan faced an early scare when a powerful drive from Wolvaardt struck Sana on the shin, forcing her to leave the field on a stretcher. Although she later returned, she did not bowl again. Sune Luus continued the aggressive approach, striking consecutive fours off Baig to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Sandhu Turns the Game
The match shifted dramatically when Sandhu entered the attack. It took her only two balls to make an impact, removing Luus for 10 and halting South Africa’s momentum. Omaima Sohail added to the pressure by dismissing Meso with a sharp return catch.
Read: De Kock Returns as South Africa Names New Leaders
Sandhu then unleashed a devastating spell of spin. On a surface offering significant turn, she squared up Miane Smit and shattered her stumps. Moments later, she trapped Sinalo Jafta lbw, leaving South Africa reeling at 73 for 5 inside 13 overs.
The wickets kept coming. Anneke Bosch fell to a sharp catch by Sidra Amin, and Sandhu claimed her maiden five-wicket haul with a stunning delivery that bowled Chloe Tryon. The ball pitched on middle, spun sharply, and clipped the off stump, leaving the batter stunned. Sandhu wasn’t done yet. She added a sixth scalp by trapping Nadine de Klerk lbw, though the decision drew visible frustration from the batter.
Lower Order Collapse
Masabata Klaas offered brief resistance, striking Syeda Aroob Shah for back-to-back fours to take South Africa past 100. But Aroob soon wrapped up the innings by dismissing Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba in the same over. South Africa were bowled out for just 115 in 25.5 overs, a total far below what their aggressive start had promised.
Pakistan’s Steady Chase
Chasing a modest target, Pakistan began cautiously. The hosts suffered an early setback when Omaima Sohail fell for a golden duck to Nonkululeko Mlaba. However, opener Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin steadied the innings with a crucial 65-run partnership for the second wicket.
Amin, who had already scored back-to-back centuries in the series, once again anchored the chase. After three consecutive maiden overs, she broke free with a two and a four off Mlaba, showing her intent to control the innings. Muneeba joined in, striking two boundaries in one over as Pakistan began to dominate.
Amin Seals the Win
De Klerk briefly revived South African hopes by removing Muneeba for 37 and dismissing captain Fatima Sana two balls later. Yet Amin remained calm and composed. Finding gaps with ease, she continued to collect boundaries and guided Pakistan closer to victory.
Fittingly, Amin struck the winning runs off Sune Luus, finishing unbeaten on 50. Her series tally reached an impressive 293 runs across three innings, including two centuries and this match-winning half-century.
Series Takeaways
While South Africa clinched the ODI series 2-1, Pakistan’s emphatic win in the final match offered encouragement for the hosts. Sandhu’s six-wicket haul not only secured victory but also highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s spin attack on turning tracks. Amin’s consistent run-scoring reinforced her status as Pakistan’s most reliable batter in the format.
This consolation win gives Pakistan momentum as they prepare for upcoming fixtures and proves that with disciplined bowling and patient batting, they can challenge top-ranked sides. Sandhu’s spell will be remembered as one of Pakistan’s finest bowling performances in women’s ODI cricket, a bright spark in a hard-fought series.
Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,, X and TikTok for latest updates
