South Africa Women chased down Pakistan’s total to win the opening ODI of the three-match series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, by eight wickets after unbeaten centuries from Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp. Despite a brilliant 121 not out from Pakistan’s Sidra Amin, the visitors reached 259 for 2 in 48.2 overs to secure the victory.
Pakistan, having elected to bat, lost an early wicket when Shawaal Zulfiqar was dismissed without scoring. A commanding 147-run second-wicket partnership between Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin steadied the innings — a stand that became Pakistan’s highest second-wicket partnership and the third highest for any wicket in their women’s ODIs. Muneeba reached her fifth ODI half-century before departing for 76 off 94 balls, while Amin continued to build the innings.
Aliya Riaz joined Amin and the pair added a further 68 runs, with Aliya contributing a quick 33 off 34 balls. Sidra Amin moved to her fifth ODI century, finishing unbeaten on 121 from 113 deliveries with 12 fours, as Pakistan closed on 255 for 4 in their 50 overs. For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka returned figures of 2 for 36 in nine overs and Tumi Sekhukhune took 1 for 37.
Chasing 256, South Africa suffered an early setback when left-arm spin removed Laura Wolvaardt for four. Sune Luus joined Tazmin Brits and the pair rebuilt the chase, but Luus was trapped leg before wicket by Rameen Shamim for 30 as the score read 43 for 2. From there Marizanne Kapp and Brits produced a match-defining unbroken 216-run partnership for the third wicket.
Kapp finished with a powerful 121 not out off 128 balls, striking 13 fours and two sixes, while Brits remained unbeaten on 101 from 121 deliveries with nine fours. The duo guided South Africa to 259 for 2 in 48.2 overs, sealing an eight-wicket win. Rameen Shamim and Sadia each claimed one wicket for Pakistan. Marizanne Kapp was named player of the match.
The series continues with two more ODIs at the same venue, both scheduled to start at 3.30 pm Pakistan time.
