PAK-W vs SA-W, 3rd ODI Review: Sidra Ameen, Bismah Maroof dismantle South Africa in Karachi

After being annihilated in the three-match T20I series, South Africa bounced back to comprehensively win the first couple of ODIs against Pakistan and bag the series. The third ODI was played at the National Stadium in Karachi on Thursday, September 14.

South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. They included all-rounder Nondumiso Shangase in their playing XI in place of left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba. Pakistan, on the other hand, made three changes as Omaima Sohail, Diana Baig, and Waheeda Akhtar replaced Sidra Nawaz, Fatima Sana, and Umm-e-Hani.

Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt departed in the first over as Sadia Iqbal gave Pakistan a flying start. Tazmin Brits looked in good touch for her 31-ball 32, hitting six boundaries, but she was dismissed by Diana. The tourists' batters got starts but failed to convert them into anything of substance. Nadine de Klerk, who has been in scintillating form with the ball in the series, showed her prowess with the bat in hand, scoring a fighting 60 off 95 balls. However, she didn't get enough support from the other end as the visitors were bundled out for 185 in 48.1 overs. Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, and Sadia Iqbal picked up two wickets apiece.

In reply, Sadaf Shamas departed for 13 off 34 balls. However, Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof struck half-centuries, and their 110-run partnership took the hosts to the brink. The opening batter was dismissed by Klerk for 68 off 82 balls. However, Pakistan were already in a position of strength. The in-form Aliya Riaz came in to bat at No. 4. She played an enterprising cameo of 19* off 14 balls, much to the delight of the home crowd. Maroof remained unbeaten on 60 off 98 balls as the Women in Green won with eight wickets to spare and 12 overs left to play.