Pakistan’s women’s cricket team beat South Africa by six wickets in the third and final match of the series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Tuesday.
Although the series was already secured by South Africa 2-1, the game will be remembered for left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu’s outstanding bowling and opener Sidra Ameen’s steady half-century.
South Africa, after winning the toss and electing to bat, found themselves in deep trouble against Pakistan’s spin attack.
Nashra Sandhu produced her career-best figures, claiming six wickets for just 26 runs in nine overs.
Her brilliant display ensured that South Africa were bowled out for only 115 runs in 25.5 overs.
The Proteas’ captain, Laura Wolvaardt, top-scored with 28 runs, striking six boundaries.
Sandhu’s performance was not only her best in ODIs but also the second-best bowling figures by any Pakistani woman in the format.
The record still belongs to Sajida Shah, who took 7 for 4 against Japan in 2003.
With this spell, Sandhu also completed 100 wickets in her 75th ODI, becoming only the third Pakistani bowler after Sana Mir and Nida Dar to achieve this milestone.
Alongside her, Syeda Aroob Shah picked up two wickets, while Omaima Sohail and Diana Baig claimed one apiece.
Chasing 116 for victory, Pakistan’s batting started shakily as Omaima Sohail was dismissed without scoring.
However, Muneeba Ali and Sidra Ameen stabilized the innings with a 65-run partnership.
Muneeba played a fluent knock of 44 with six boundaries before Nadine de Klerk removed her, followed by the wicket of captain Fatima Sana in the same over for a duck.
Sidra Ameen anchored the chase with an unbeaten 50 off eight boundaries.
Along with Natalia Pervaiz, who scored 14, she added 38 crucial runs for the fourth wicket.
Natalia’s dismissal left Pakistan needing just a handful of runs, which debutant Iman Fatima helped complete with two not out as Pakistan crossed the target in the 31st over.
Sidra Ameen emerged as Pakistan’s batting star of the series, amassing 293 runs with two centuries and one half-century across the three matches.
Her consistent contributions underlined her importance at the top of the order.