Sandhu’s Six Seals Pakistan’s Redemption Victory
Here’s a rewritten version of the content:
During the South Africa Women’s Tour of Pakistan in 2025, Nashra Sandhu delivered a remarkable performance, securing a six-wicket haul with career-best figures of 6 for 26, to lead Pakistan to a decisive six-wicket victory against South Africa in the third One-Day International held in Lahore. Despite this win, South Africa clinched the three-match series 2-1, marking the final international fixture for both teams before the 2025 Women’s World Cup.
South Africa had opted to rest several key players for this inconsequential match, and began their innings on a stable note as openers Laura Wolvaardt and Karabo Meso formed a 38-run partnership. However, their progress faltered when Diana Baig dismissed Wolvaardt in the seventh over.
Sune Luus started strongly but, after hitting a couple of boundaries, fell victim to Sandhu, triggering a collapse. Sandhu’s left-arm spin wreaked havoc on South Africa’s middle order, claiming the scalps of Luus, Maine Smit, Anneke Bosch, Sinola Jafta, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk within 52 balls. This left South Africa struggling at 94 for 8 by the close of the 21st over.
Masataba Klass added a couple of boundaries to push South Africa past the 100-run threshold, but the resistance was short-lived. Aroob Shah then dismissed Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba, wrapping up South Africa’s innings for 115.
In response, Pakistan faced an early setback when Nonkululeko Mlaba dismissed Omaima Sohail off her first delivery. Nonetheless, Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin steadied the ship by building a 65-run partnership for the second wicket, with Muneeba falling just short of her half-century.
Nadine de Klerk’s two quick wickets in the 22nd over gave Pakistan a slight scare, but Natalia Perveiz provided crucial support to Amin as they neared the target. Even though Mlaba struck again to dismiss Perveiz, Pakistan was only 12 runs shy of victory.
Amin, who had scored centuries in the previous two matches, hit a boundary to complete her half-century, guiding Pakistan to victory.
Brief Scores:
South Africa: 115 in 25.5 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 28; Nashra Sandhu 6-26, Aroob Shah 2-16)
Pakistan: 117/4 in 31 overs (Sidra Amin 50*, Muneeba Ali 44; Nadine de Klerk 2-19, Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-46)
Pakistan won by 6 wickets.
© Cricbuzz
Post Comment