Sandhu's Six-Wicket Haul Powers Pakistan to Consolation Win Over South Africa
Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu produced a career-best performance to help Pakistan Women secure a six-wicket win over South Africa Women in the third and final ODI in Lahore, as the hosts salvaged pride with a 2-1 series defeat.
Sandhu ripped through South Africa’s batting lineup, claiming 6 for 26 in nine overs, the second-best bowling figures ever recorded by a Pakistani woman in ODIs. Her spell helped bowl out the visitors for just 115 in 25.5 overs on a spin-friendly surface.
In the chase, in-form opener Sidra Amin continued her stellar run with an unbeaten 50, guiding Pakistan home in 31 overs.
Sandhu Turns the Game
After South Africa opted to bat, openers Laura Wolvaardt and Karabo Meso gave them a flying start, adding 38 runs in just 6.4 overs. Wolvaardt was aggressive early, attacking both Fatima Sana and Diana Baig. However, Pakistan suffered a scare when captain Sana was hit on the shin by a powerful Wolvaardt drive and had to be stretchered off. She returned to the field later but did not bowl.
Sandhu’s introduction changed the game dramatically. After Omaima Sohail removed Meso with a return catch, Sandhu cleaned up the top and middle order. She bowled Miane Smit, trapped Sinalo Jafta lbw, and later bowled Chloe Tryon with a sharp-turning delivery that beat the bat and hit off stump. She completed her six-wicket haul by trapping Nadine de Klerk in front — a decision the batter disagreed with.
Only Masabata Klaas showed some resistance late in the innings with two boundaries off Syeda Aroob Shah, but Aroob cleaned up the tail, dismissing Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba in the same over to end South Africa’s innings.
Sidra Amin Caps Off Dominant Series
Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start with Omaima Sohail falling for a golden duck to Mlaba. But Muneeba Ali and Amin steadied the innings with a 65-run partnership. Amin, who had already scored back-to-back centuries (121* and 122) earlier in the series, kept her form intact with a composed 50* off 67 balls.
Though South Africa briefly threatened when De Klerk removed both Muneeba and Sana in the same over, Amin ensured there were no further hiccups. She struck regular boundaries and fittingly hit the winning runs off Sune Luus to complete the chase.
Amin finished the series with a remarkable 293 runs in three innings, averaging 293 with two centuries and a fifty.
Series Recap
Despite the loss in the final ODI, South Africa clinched the three-match series 2-1. For Pakistan, the match offered a glimmer of hope, led by Sandhu’s standout bowling and Amin’s prolific form — both bright spots in an otherwise challenging series.
Match Summary:
South Africa Women: 115 all out in 25.5 overs (Nashra Sandhu 6-26)
Pakistan Women: 118 for 4 in 31 overs (Sidra Amin 50*, Muneeba Ali 34)
Pakistan won by 6 wickets
South Africa won the series 2-1