South Africa Women beat Pakistan Women by eight wickets in the ODI series opener at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.
Unbeaten hundreds by Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp helped South Africa overhaul the 256-run target in the penultimate over.
After opting to bat, Pakistan lost Shawaal Zulfiqar early. Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin anchored the innings with a commanding 147-run stand – Pakistan’s highest second-wicket partnership and third highest for any wicket in WODIs. The duo brought up the team’s 100 in the 21st over. They continued to build momentum, taking the total to 150 by the 31st over.
Muneeba, having reached her 5th half-century, was eventually dismissed for a well-crafted 76 off 94 balls, laced with 11 fours.
Aliya Riaz then joined Sidra at the crease and the pair added a valuable 68 runs off the next 71 deliveries. Aliya contributed a brisk 33 off 34 balls, striking five boundaries, before falling in the 43rd over.
Sidra brought up her 5th ODI century with a delicate dab down to long-on. She remained unbeaten on a superb 121, featuring 12 fours, as Pakistan posted 255-4 at the end of their 50 overs.
South Africa Scorecard:
In pursuit of the 256-run target, South Africa were dealt an early blow as left-arm spinner clean-bowled Laura Wolvaardt for four in the second over.
Sune Luus joined Opening batter Brits at the crease. The pair then added another 38 runs before the latter got trapped leg before wicket by Rameen Shamim. The scoreboard then read 43-2 in 9.4 overs.
Kapp scored 121 off 128 balls, hitting 13 fours and two sixes. She stitched an unbeaten 216-run partnership with Brits (101 not out) for the third wicket. The duo led the visitors to victory. For the hosts, Rameen and Sadia picked up one wicket apiece.
Player of the match – Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)
Series schedule: (All matches to begin at 3.30 pm Pakistan time)
16 September – South Africa won by eight wickets
19 September – Pakistan vs South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
22 September – Pakistan vs South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
