LAHORE: Sidra Amin’s masterful century went in vain as South Africa women edged Pakistan women to seal the three-match ODI series 2-0 with one match remaining.
Set a daunting 313-run target in a rain-affected clash, Pakistan were bundled out for 287 in 44.4 overs as per the DLS method here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
Green Shirts endured a poor start, losing opener Muneeba Ali in the third over as she managed to score one.
Following the wicket, Sidra Amin partnered with Omaima Sohail for a 57-run stand, which steadied the chase.
Omaima departed for 43 from 38 with the aid of seven fours. As a result, Pakistan were reduced to 62-2 at the end of 11 overs.
However, the mammoth 146-run stand between Sidra Amin and Natalia Pervaiz reignited Pakistan’s hope and put them firmly back in the contest.
At 247 in 37.5 overs, Sidra’s dismissal after a superb 122 off just 110 balls with 13 fours triggered a collapse that Pakistan could not recover from.
For South Africa, Nadine de Klerk remained the standout bowler, claiming three wickets and ensuring that Pakistan fell short of the target.
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Earlier, Tazmin Brits’ sublime 171* and skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s impressive century powered South Africa women to a big total.
Put into bat first, South Africa racked up 292-3 in a match reduced to 46 overs per side due to rain.
Openers Britz and Wolvaardt laid a strong foundation with a record 262-run stand— their second double-century partnership and the highest ever for the Proteas women’s in ODIs.
Britz continued her rich vein of form, bringing up her half-century with a six and a two in the 19th over. Wolvaardt followed soon after, reaching the milestone in the 21st over with a single.
The pair showed no signs of slowing down, keeping the scoreboard ticking and toiling Pakistan bowlers. By the time the rain arrived, South Africa were cruising at 238-0 in 41 overs.
Britz had surpassed the triple figures, whereas the skipper was on 93 with South Africa 238-0 in 41 overs.
The weather also changed Pakistan’s fortunes with a wicket as Wolvaardt was dismissed soon after for a well-made 100 off 129 balls, laced with 10 boundaries. At this stage, South Africa were 260-1 in 43.1 overs.
Notably, the Proteas made 54 in the last five overs, which further depleted Pakistan’s bowling lineup.
For Pakistan, Diana Baig was the sole wicket-taker, picking up two wickets in her five overs while giving away 45.
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