(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Women Fall to South Africa in World Cup Warm-Up Match
COLOMBO: Pakistan Women’s cricket team suffered a four-wicket defeat against South Africa in their second ICC Women’s World Cup warm-up game on Sunday, despite an impressive early spell with the ball.
South Africa Overcome Early Collapse
Chasing 229 runs, South Africa stumbled early when Pakistan pacer Diana Baig struck twice, reducing them to 27-3 inside six overs. However, Sune Luus and Anneke Bosch steadied the innings with a vital 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Later, Chloe Tryon anchored the chase with an unbeaten 45-run knock, guiding the Proteas home with nearly ten overs to spare.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles
Batting first, Pakistan were bowled out for 229 in 46 overs. Skipper Fatima Sana top-scored with a brilliant 64 off boundaries and one six. Contributions also came from Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz, who provided stability at the top.
However, the Women in Green lost wickets at regular intervals and failed to build momentum. For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klass picked up two wickets each.
Tournament Context
According to the ICC, the result gave South Africa a much-needed boost ahead of their opening clash against England on October 4. Meanwhile, Pakistan will take confidence from Fatima Sana’s batting form and Diana Baig’s fiery spell as they prepare for their World Cup opener against Bangladesh on October 3.
The eight-nation Women’s World Cup 2025, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, will see Pakistan play all their matches in Colombo under the ICC’s hybrid model due to political tensions with India.
Pakistan’s Road to the World Cup
Pakistan’s first warm-up against Sri Lanka on September 25 was washed out due to rain. Despite losing a recent ODI home series to South Africa by 2-1, captain Fatima Sana stated that the squad is well-prepared and under no extra pressure, even with an India clash on the horizon.
The team had earlier qualified for the World Cup following an unbeaten run in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers held in Lahore earlier this year.
