Sune Luus’ all-round brilliance powers South Africa to emphatic win over Pakistan in ODI opener

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South African Women’s team kickstarted their ODI series in clinical fashion, securing a 37-run victory over Pakistan Women in the opening ODI at the Mangaung Oval. In a match shortened to 41 overs per side due to a delayed start, the afternoon belonged to former captain Sune Luus, whose masterclass with both bat and ball ensured the Proteas defended their turf with authority.

After being put in to bat, South Africa faced early turbulence. While Captain Laura Wolvaardt looked elegant for her 43 off 50 balls, the top order struggled to maintain momentum as Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal applied the brakes. When Wolvaardt fell in the 17th over, the Proteas sat at a precarious 84/3, threatening to post a sub-par total.

However, Luus walked out with a clear intent to dominate. Luus played the anchor and the aggressor simultaneously, striking 93 off just 76 deliveries. Her innings was a clinic in finding gaps, decorated with 12 boundaries and a towering six. While she lost partners in the middle, including Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk in quick succession, she found a perfect ally in Sinalo Jafta.

Jafta turned the tide in the death overs, blasting a rapid-fire 57 off 38 balls at a strike rate of 150.00. Their unbeaten seventh-wicket stand added over 50 runs in just 34 balls, propelling South Africa to a commanding 260/6. Despite Nashra Sandhu’s disciplined figures of 2/45, the late-inning onslaught left the Pakistani bowlers with few answers.

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Pakistan’s pursuit of 261 got off to a disastrous start. Ayanda Hlubi struck in the very first over to remove Sadaf Shamas for a duck, and when Muneeba Ali fell shortly after to De Klerk, the visitors were reeling at 5/2.

A spirited recovery followed, led by Sidra Amin and Ayesha Zafar. The duo combined for a century stand that briefly silenced the Bloemfontein crowd. Amin looked particularly dangerous, reaching her half-century off 50 balls and finishing with a well-composed 68. Zafar supported her well with a gritty 81 off 94 balls, guiding Pakistan past the 150-mark.

The turning point arrived when the golden arm of Luus returned to the attack. Luus broke the threatening partnership by dismissing Amin and later removed Fatima Sana to derail the middle order. As the required run rate climbed, Pakistan’s discipline crumbled. Tumi Sekhukhune cleaned up the tail with clinical efficiency, finishing with figures of 3/50.

From a comfortable 131/2, Pakistan collapsed to 223 all out in 38.5 overs. Luus’s all-round contribution, 93 runs and 2/31 with the ball, rightfully earned her the Player of the Match award. With this 37-run win, South Africa takes a 1-0 lead in the series, signalling a tough road ahead for the visiting Pakistani side.

Sune Luus bags player of the match award for her brilliant all-round performance 🔥#SAvPAK #SuneLuus

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) February 23, 2026

Proteas women go 1–0 up in the 3-match ODI series against Pakistan ⚡#SAvPAK #SouthAfricaCricketTeam

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) February 23, 2026

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