(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan vs South Africa: Women’s ODI Series Finale in Lahore
The stage is set for the third and final ODI between Pakistan and South Africa at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, as both teams look to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the upcoming Women’s World Cup 2025.
On Monday, Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and chose to bat first, putting Pakistan in to bowl.
Key Changes for Pakistan
The home side handed a debut to Eyman Fatima, while Syeda Aroob Shah, the spin all-rounder, made her return to the XI. Pakistan’s squad continues to be led by Fatima Sana, with the Green Shirts hoping to finish the series on a high.
Second ODI Recap
In the second match on Friday, Pakistan came agonizingly close to chasing South Africa’s daunting 313-run target. A brilliant innings from Sidra Amin — who became the first Pakistani batter to score back-to-back centuries in ODIs — gave Pakistan hope, but they eventually fell 25 runs short under the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Sidra’s sublime hundred under the Gaddafi Stadium lights was the highlight of the innings, but despite her heroics, Pakistan couldn’t seal the chase.
Series So Far
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1st ODI: South Africa cruised to an eight-wicket victory, chasing down 256 with ease.
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2nd ODI: Pakistan fought hard but lost by 25 runs despite Sidra Amin’s brilliance.
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3rd ODI (Today): Pakistan are bowling first, aiming to level the series.
Preparation for the World Cup
Both teams are using this series as crucial preparation for the Women’s World Cup, scheduled from September 30 to November 2 in India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka.
The Pakistan squad had also undergone a two-week pre-series camp in Lahore, with scenario-based training sessions to sharpen skills ahead of the mega tournament.
Head-to-Head Record
In 28 ODIs between the two sides, South Africa hold the edge, but Pakistan will draw confidence from their last meeting — an emphatic eight-wicket win at the National Stadium, Karachi, in September 2023 during the ICC Women’s Championship 2022–25.
With the World Cup around the corner, this match is more than just a series finale — it’s a chance for both teams to test combinations, build momentum, and boost confidence before the big stage.
