Sadaf Shamas’ exceptional knock takes Pakistan home against South Africa in the 3rd ODI

Pakistan Women finished their tour of South Africa on a high, securing a massive 119-run victory over the Proteas in the third and final ODI at Kingsmead on Sunday, March 01. While the series had already seen its fair share of drama, the finale belonged entirely to the visitors, who excelled in all three departments to dismantle the hosts. The day was defined by a batting masterclass from Sadaf Shamas and a disciplined bowling effort that left the South African top order in tatters.

Sadaf Shamas shines with a career-defining 97 against South Africa

The foundation of Pakistan’s imposing total of 306/8 was laid by opener Shamas, whose aggressive yet calculated 97 off 82 balls took the game away from South Africa early on. Shamas was in sublime touch from the outset, punishing any width offered by the South African seamers. Her innings, decorated with 9 fours and a towering six, saw her reach her half-century in just 40 deliveries.

Shamas shared a vital 130-run partnership for the second wicket with the experienced Sidra Amin (41), effectively tiring out the frontline bowlers. Though she fell agonizingly short of a well-deserved century, caught and bowled by Sune Luus, her strike rate of 118.29 set the tempo for the innings. Late-order fireworks from captain Fatima Sana, who smashed a rapid 60 off 41 balls (including 5 sixes), ensured Pakistan crossed the 300-run mark. Despite Luus’ valiant efforts with the ball (3/42), the South African attack struggled to contain the momentum, conceding 20 extras and struggling with the consistency of their lines under the Durban sun.

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Pakistan’s bowling blitz folds South Africa for a meagre 187

Chasing a daunting target of 307, the South African response never truly took flight. The Proteas’ top order suffered a catastrophic collapse, finding themselves reeling at 7/3 within the first two overs. Tasmia Rubab struck in the first over to remove Tazmin Brits, followed by a double-strike from Fatima Sana, who dismissed both captain Laura Wolvaardt and the in-form Luus for a duck.

While Faye Tunnicliffe (47) and Annerie Dercksen (54) attempted to rebuild with a gritty 85-run stand, the mounting required run rate forced errors. Pakistan’s spin contingent tightened the screws during the middle overs; Sadia Iqbal was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with clinical figures of 3/41, while Nashra Sandhu and Umm-e-Hani claimed two wickets apiece to prevent any lower-order resurgence.

The South African innings eventually folded for 187 in 36.2 overs, handing Pakistan a comprehensive 119-run win.

Dominating victory by Pakistan in the 3rd ODI ⚡#SAvPAK #Fatimasana #PakistanCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/tmX4HUMUG5
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) March 2, 2026

Although Luus was named Player of the Series for her all-round contribution of 150 runs and 6 wickets, the day belonged to Shamas, whose Player of the Match performance served as a reminder of the growing depth in Pakistan’s white-ball cricket.

150 runs & 6 wickets, one incredible series performance from Sune Luus 🌟#Cricket #SAvPAK #SuneLuus #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/FhajGCiZpF
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) March 2, 2026