Pakistan Women Eye Historic ODI Series Win in South Africa

Bloemfontein – Pakistan women’s cricket team will look to carry momentum into the ODI series against South Africa after a competitive T20I campaign, with the first match underway at Mangaung Oval on Sunday.

The three-match ODI series holds significant importance as it marks the beginning of the 2025-2029 ICC Women’s Championship cycle, with points directly contributing to qualification for the 2029 Women’s Cricket World Cup.

South Africa claimed the T20I series 2-1, though Pakistan finished strongly with a consolation 53-run victory in the final match at Kimberley. The series provided valuable exposure for a youthful Pakistani squad featuring debutants Humna Bilal and Tasmia Rubab as both nations build toward the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England this June.

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Captain Fatima Sana, at 23 years old, leads a deliberately young side blending experience with emerging talent. “It’s good for us to face a challenge like this ahead of the World Cup,” she said before the series. “We have a very young squad, and we’re hopeful this series will give them valuable exposure.”

Pakistan’s ODI hopes rest heavily on batter Sidra Amin, who averages 43.27 against South Africa with two centuries. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu provides another threat, having claimed career-best figures of 6-26 against the same opposition in September 2025.

Team mentor Wahab Riaz emphasized the different demands of 50-over cricket. “ODI cricket is different to T20Is; one has to be more disciplined. These wickets are supportive and aid anyone who plays good cricket. If we execute our plans well, we can win this series.”

South Africa boast their own match-winners, including captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, who scored five ODI centuries in 2025.

Following the Bloemfontein opener, the series moves to Centurion on February 25 before concluding in Durban on March 1. For Pakistan, victory would mark their first ODI series win on South African soil.

Pakistan, South Africa women T20I series to begin on Tuesday