Nashra Sandhu’s six-wicket haul helps Pakistan avoid whitewash against South Africa

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Pakistan bounced back in style to avoid a clean sweep, defeating South Africa by six wickets in the third and final ODI of the South Africa Women tour of Pakistan 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu was the star of the match with a remarkable six-wicket haul, dismantling the visitors’ batting lineup and ensuring Pakistan ended the series on a positive note.

Put into bat after winning the toss, South Africa got off to a brisk start with skipper Laura Wolvaardt (28 off 23, 6 fours) finding boundaries at will. However, once Nashra entered the attack, the innings unraveled. The Proteas were bowled out for just 115 in 25.5 overs, their lowest total of the series. Nashra’s figures of 6 for 26 in nine overs marked one of the best spells of her career.

Supporting her efforts, Syeda Aroob Shah (2/16) and Diana Baig (1/21) ensured consistent pressure from both ends. Despite small contributions from Nadine de Klerk (13 off 24) and Masabata Klaas (13 off 14), South Africa failed to build partnerships, with no batter crossing 30.

Chasing a modest 116, Pakistan Women lost early wickets, but a steady partnership between Sidra Ameen and Muneeba Ali anchored the innings. Sidra remained composed under pressure, compiling a patient 50 off 94 balls with eight boundaries, while opener Muneeba added 44 off 76. Their 96-run stand for the second wicket put Pakistan firmly in control.

Although there were brief hiccups with the dismissals of Omaima Sohail and Sana Fatima for ducks, and Sidra falling shortly after her fifty, Natalia Pervaiz (14 off 10) finished things off with aggressive stroke play. Pakistan reached 117/4 in 31 overs, sealing a comfortable victory with plenty of time to spare.

Pakistan avoid series whitewash against South Africa 👉 https://t.co/zbjOkbRyw6#PAKWvSAW #ODI #cricket

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For South Africa, Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/46) and Nadine de Klerk (2/19) were the only bowlers to make breakthroughs, but defending such a low total was always going to be a near-impossible task.

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There was no doubt about the standout performer of the game. Nashra Sandhu’s six-for not only broke the back of South Africa’s batting but also set the tone for Pakistan’s dominance. Her accuracy and flight troubled the batters throughout, and she was rightly named Player of the Match.

Despite Pakistan’s morale-boosting win, it was South Africa Women who won the series 2-1. The visitors started strong, winning the first ODI by 8 wickets with clinical batting and bowling displays. The second ODI, affected by rain, saw South Africa hold their nerve to secure a 25-run victory via the DLS method, sealing the series before the final game.

Pakistan’s victory in the third ODI, however, gave the home side something to celebrate, particularly with key players like Sidra Ameen and Nashra Sandhu stepping up when it mattered. For South Africa, Wolvaardt’s form remained a major positive, but their batting collapse in the last game highlighted an area for improvement.

With the ODI series concluded, both teams will now shift their focus to the T20I leg.

Also READ: Tazmin Brits’ record knock powers South Africa to ODI series win over Pakistan

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.