Durban — Pakistan women cricket victory shone brightly as Sadaf Shamas and skipper Fatima Sana powered the team to a commanding 119-run triumph against South Africa in the third and final One-day International at Kingsmead Cricket Ground on March 1, 2026.
Put in to bat, Pakistan posted an imposing 306 for eight, thanks to Shamas’ explosive 97 off 82 balls and Sana’s unbeaten 60 from 41 deliveries — a display of grit that lifted spirits back home amid the series’ challenges. Chasing, South Africa crumbled to 187 all out in 36.2 overs, with Sadia Iqbal’s three for 41 leading a disciplined bowling attack. This consolation win, despite South Africa claiming the series 2-1, highlights Pakistan’s rising prowess in women’s cricket, inspiring young athletes nationwide and underscoring the nation’s commitment to the sport’s growth.
3rd ODI – South Africa Women vs Pakistan Women
Pakistan Women won by 119 runs.
Pakistan Women: 306-8 (50 ov)
South Africa Women: 187-10 (36.2 ov)Scorecard: https://t.co/R4cmt7R7D7#SAWvPAKW | #BackOurGirls
— PCB Live Scores (@TheRealPCB_Live) March 1, 2026
Key Highlights
- Pakistan batted first and scored 306 for eight in 50 overs, with Sadaf Shamas smashing 97 (16 fours, one six) and Fatima Sana unbeaten on 60 (three fours, five sixes).
- Key partnerships included a 130-run stand between Shamas and Sidra Amin (41), plus a 65-run sixth-wicket alliance by Sana and Najiha Alvi (36).
- South Africa’s reply started disastrously at seven for three, thanks to early wickets by Tasmia Rubab and Sana, before being bowled out for 187 in 36.2 overs.
- Top scorers for the hosts were Annerie Dercksen (54) and Faye Tunnicliffe (47), but partnerships couldn’t sustain against Pakistan’s spin-heavy assault.
- Bowling stars: Sadia Iqbal took three for 41, Sana claimed two for 29, Nashra Sandhu two for 25, and Umm-e-Hani two for 35.
- Sadaf Shamas earned Player of the Match for her near-century knock.
Stellar Batting Sets the Tone
The innings began shakily with opener Gul Feroza falling early, but Shamas and Amin steadied things — their partnership a masterclass in controlled aggression. Observers noted how Shamas’ boundary-hitting (16 fours and a six) kept the scoreboard ticking, falling just short of a deserved ton. Then, after a mini-collapse to 164 for five, Sana stepped up — her late blitz, including five sixes, propelled Pakistan past 300 for the first time in the series.
It was the kind of resilient knock that reminds fans of the team’s fighting spirit, even on foreign soil.Meanwhile, South Africa’s bowlers toiled — Sune Luus grabbed three for 42, and Nonkululeko Mlaba two for 56 — but couldn’t contain the visitors’ momentum in the death overs.
Bowling Masterclass Dismantles Hosts
Chasing 307, South Africa faltered immediately. Rubab struck first, removing Tazmin Brits, before Sana’s double blow — dismissing captain Laura Wolvaardt and Luus for ducks in quick succession — left them reeling. Though Dercksen and Tunnicliffe added 85 for the fourth wicket, and Jafta (33) briefly resisted with Dercksen for 50 runs, the spin duo of Sandhu and Umm-e-Hani turned the screws. Sadia cleaned up the tail, ensuring no comeback.
This disciplined effort not only avenged earlier losses but showcased Pakistan’s bowling depth — a key strength heading into future tournaments.
As the tour wraps, this Pakistan women cricket victory offers a positive note, boosting morale and highlighting stars like Shamas and Sana. It reaffirms the nation’s pride in its women’s team, paving the way for greater achievements on the global stage.
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