On a dramatic Monday night, September 22, 2025, at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan Women clinched a stunning six-wicket victory against South Africa Women in the decisive third ODI. Despite losing the series 2-1 to South Africa, who dominated the first two matches on September 16 and 19, Pakistan’s resilient performance in the final game showcased their fighting spirit and skill. This nail-biting clash, highlighted by Nashra Sandhu’s career-best bowling and Sidra Amin’s unbeaten fifty, has set the stage for an exciting future in women’s cricket.
Nashra Sandhu’s Record-Breaking Spell Seals the Deal
The match turned into a spectacle thanks to left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu, who delivered a career-defining performance. Skittling South Africa for a mere 115 runs in 25.5 overs—their second-lowest ODI total against Pakistan—Nashra wreaked havoc with figures of 6-26. Her spell included a devastating 5-8 across six overs, collapsing South Africa from 61-3 to 94-8. This remarkable feat not only eclipsed her previous best of 4-26 against India in 2017 but also made her the fastest Pakistan women’s bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets in just 74 innings, joining elite company with Nida Dar and Sana Mir.
South Africa’s innings began promisingly, with skipper Laura Wolvaardt scoring a brisk 28 off 23 balls, including six fours, taking them to 38 without loss in 6.3 overs. However, Diana Baig’s double strike, removing Wolvaardt and Sune Luus, shifted momentum. Omaima Sohail’s dismissal of Karabo Meso further dented their hopes, setting the stage for Nashra’s dominance. Syeda Aroob Shah, returning after a six-year hiatus, mopped up the tail with 2-16, ensuring South Africa’s lowest ODI score in five years.
Sidra Amin’s Unbeaten Fifty Powers Pakistan to Victory
Chasing a modest 116, Pakistan faced early setbacks but mounted a resilient reply. Muneeba Ali’s 44 off 76 balls, studded with six fours, anchored a 65-run second-wicket stand with Omaima Sohail. Despite Nadine de Klerk’s double blow in the 22nd over, dismissing Muneeba and Fatima Sana to leave Pakistan at 66-3, Natalia Parvaiz’s quickfire 14 off 10 balls revived the chase. Sidra Amin, unbeaten on 50 off 94 balls with eight fours, sealed the win with a boundary in the 31st over, notching her 12th ODI half-century. Her series tally of 293 runs off 354 balls underscored her consistency, making her the top run-scorer.
Match Highlights
- Scores in Brief: Pakistan 117-4 (31 overs) beat South Africa 115 all out (25.5 overs) by six wickets.
- Player of the Match: Nashra Sandhu (Pakistan) for her match-winning 6-26.
- Player of the Series: Tazmin Brits (South Africa) for her overall impact.
- Series Results: South Africa won 2-1 (wins on September 16 by eight wickets and September 19 by 25 runs via DLS, with Pakistan’s victory on September 22).
South Africa’s early series dominance was overturned in the finale, where Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Nashra, outshone their batting. The Lahore crowd witnessed a masterclass in spin bowling and a composed chase, marking a memorable night for Pakistan cricket.
This victory, though not enough to clinch the series, highlights Pakistan Women’s growing prowess. Nashra’s milestone and Sidra’s leadership with the bat signal a bright future. For South Africa, the loss exposes vulnerabilities against spin, a lesson they’ll carry into upcoming fixtures. As women’s cricket gains global traction, this series—streamed live and analyzed across platforms—boosts interest, with fans eagerly awaiting Pakistan’s next challenge.
