South Africa women’s team batter Sune Luus and star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp both scored centuries, setting the stage for a convincing 127-run victory over Pakistan women. This win has propelled South Africa to a 1-0 lead in the ODI series against Pakistan in Karachi on a Friday.
Winning the toss and deciding to bat first, South Africa built up a dominant score of 292/4 over their allotted 50 overs. Laura Wolvaardt (scoring 17 off 15 balls) and Tazmin Brits (contributing 17 runs off nine balls) got off to a strong start, establishing the platform for the middle order to build on.
The core of South Africa’s innings revolved around a magnificent partnership between Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp. Luus exhibited exceptional form, amassing 107 runs off 129 balls, which included seven boundaries. Kapp was spectacular, reaching an amazing century with 100 runs off 105 deliveries, comprising twelve fours and one six. Towards the conclusion of the innings, Nadine de Klerk chipped in with a vital 29 runs off 23 balls.
Nashra Sandhu led Pakistan’s bowling effort with two wickets for 50 runs in her 10 overs. However, the rest of the bowling attack struggled to control the South African hitters.
In response, Pakistan faced a challenging target and battled in their pursuit, ultimately getting bowled out for 165 runs in 36.5 overs, falling substantially short. Aliya Riaz was Pakistan’s leading scorer with 49 runs off 58 balls, while the rest of the batting lineup found it tough to make major contributions.
Riaz was stranded on 49 as she ran out of partners, with Hani and Baig run out and Sandhu becoming de Klerk’s third victim. Delmi Tucker, playing her fourth ODI, wrapped up the win by trapping Fatima in front.
South Africa’s bowling team executed a disciplined performance, placing Pakistan under enormous pressure. De Klerk was the star bowler, capturing three wickets for 23 runs in her six overs. Nonkululeko Mlaba also made a huge impact with her spin, securing three wickets for 39 runs in her seven overs.
In the end, South Africa scored a comprehensive victory, showcasing their superiority in all parts of the game versus Pakistan. Marizanne Kapp was justifiably awarded the Player of the Match for her superb all-round performance.
With this success, the Proteas Women take a 1-0 lead in the series and will attempt to maintain their momentum into the second ODI game. Meanwhile, Pakistan Women will be trying to rebound back and even the series in the remaining matches.
