Pakistan women wrapped up their three-match ODI series in Lahore with a solid six wicket victory against South Africa. Even though the visitors already sealed the series 2-1 the final clash turned into a memorable one for Nashra Sandhu and Sidra Amin.
Sandhu’s career-best bowling spell left the crowd buzzing while Amin’s calm unbeaten fifty helped Pakistan chase the small target with ease. This win came just days before the Women’s World Cup 2025 and boosted Pakistan’s confidence.
Sandhu dominates with ball
Nashra Sandhu ripped through South Africa’s batting lineup like a storm. She finished with stunning figures of 6 for 26 which now stand as the second best in Pakistan women’s ODI history. Only Sajjida Shah back in 200,3 bowled better when she picked 7 for 4 against Japan.
She entered the attack right after Diana Baig and Omaima Sohail removed both openers. Sandhu’s first strike came against Sune Luus near the end of the power play. From ther,e she bowled with control and sharp turn trapping and knocking over batters one after another.
The visitors never recovered. From 38 for no loss, they stumbled all the way to 115 all out inside 26 overs. Every wicket Sandhu took felt like a dagger to Proteas’ hopes and her name echoed inside Gaddafi Stadium.
Amin anchors the chase.
Sidra Amin was again the backbone for Pakistan’s batting. Already in blazing form with two centuries earlier in the series she calmly made 50 not out from 94 balls. She steered the innings with patience after an early hiccup when Omaima Sohail went cheaply.
Together with Muneeba Ali she built a solid stand that killed any chance of a South African fightback. Amin showed composure rotating the strike and hitting boundaries when needed. With 19 overs still left Pakistan sealed the win and Amin raised her bat with a smile.
Other key moments
- Skipper Fatima Sana suffered a scare when a Laura Wolvaardt drive struck her shin. She was stretchered off but returned later to field.
- Young Eyman Fatima made her ODI debut giving fans a glimpse of fresh talent.
- Spin all-rounder Syeda Aroob Shah also returned after a long gap and chipped in with two late wickets.
- South Africa rested big names including Tazmin Brits who smashed 171 in the previous match.
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Series summary
The series ended 2-1 in South Africa’s favou,r but Pakistan took pride in the final game performance. Earlier matches had seen South Africa dominate with both bat and ball. They chased 256 in the opener with eight wickets to spare and then edged Pakistan in a thrilling second game where Sidra Amin’s century almost pulled off a record chase.
In all three matches Amin stood tall scoring 121 not out 122 and 50 not out. Her run tally of 293 made her the highest scorer across both sides. On the bowling side Sandhu’s six-wicket haul grabbed headlines and her milestone of 100 ODI wickets in just 74 innings added weight to her reputation.
What this means ahead of the World Cup
This series was more than just a contest. It acted as a rehearsal for the World Cup starting September 30 in India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan will open against Bangladesh in Colombo while South Africa faces England in Guwahati the next day.
Both sides tested bench strength and tactics. Pakistan showed they can challenge top sides when their bowlers hit rhythm and when Amin anchors the batting. South Africa on the other hand relied on their batting depth and will enter the big tournament with strong momentum.
Quick facts
- Pakistan bowled South Africa out for 115 in 25.5 overs.
- Nashra Sandhu’s 6 for 26 is the best in Pakistan women’s ODI history.
- Sidra Amin scored two centuries and one fifty in three game.s
- Series result: South Africa won 2-1
- Venue all matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Final thoughts
Even though Pakistan did not win the series, the last game gave them belief. Nashra Sandhu proved why she is one of the finest spinners around, and Sidra Amin showed consistency that every team craves. Fans will remember this Lahore evening as a sign that Pakistan women can rise against strong teams when spirit and talent come together.
And if you ask me, this win is more than just a stat on paper. It is a spark that might lift Pakistan’s confidence right before the World Cup. You can almost feel the energy building. If they carry this rhythm forwar,d we might see some big surprises in the coming weeks.
