Sadaf Shamas Shines as Pakistan Secures Consolation Win in Final ODI

In a spirited performance to end their tour of South Africa, Pakistan claimed a decisive victory in the third and final ODI at Durban on Sunday, March 1. Despite having already lost the series, the visitors signed off with a commanding 119-run win, echoing their earlier dead-rubber triumph in the T20I series.

Pakistan posted a formidable total of 306/8 in their 50 overs, thanks to a blistering 97 off just 82 balls by opener Sadaf Shamas. Building on her half-century from the previous match, Shamas provided a solid platform with a 130-run partnership for the second wicket alongside Sidra Amin, who contributed 41. However, South Africa hit back strongly, reducing Pakistan to 216/5 with timely breakthroughs.

Captain Fatima Sana ensured momentum was regained at the death, playing a fireworks-laden knock of 60 off 41 deliveries, laced with five towering sixes. Her aggressive finish propelled Pakistan past the 300-run mark, setting a challenging target.

South Africa, emboldened by their record-breaking 365 in the previous ODI, began their chase with confidence. However, Pakistan's bowling attack derailed their plans early. Tazmin Brits was dismissed in the first over, and captain Fatima Sana struck twice in the second over, removing star batter Laura Wolvaardt and skipper Sune Luus. At 7/3, the hosts were reeling.

A recovery was briefly sparked by a resilient 85-run stand between Faye Tunnicliffe and Annerie Dercksen, followed by a 50-run partnership to steady the ship. Dercksen top-scored with 54. Yet, once the middle order faltered, Pakistan pounced. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal dismantled the lower order with a decisive three-wicket haul, triggering a collapse from 142/4 to 187 all out in 36.2 overs.

The comprehensive victory offered Pakistan a morale-boosting end to a tour that saw them struggle in the earlier fixtures. For South Africa, concerns will linger despite series success, especially around top-order fragility against disciplined bowling.

Match Summary

Pakistan: 306/8 in 50 overs (Sadaf Shamas 97, Fatima Sana 60; Sune Luus 3-42)
South Africa: 187 in 36.2 overs (Annerie Dercksen 54; Sadia Iqbal 3-41)
Result: Pakistan won by 119 runs