Pakistan Women’s cricket has witnessed some glorious bowling performances over the years, with the recent surge led by spinner Nashra Sandhu leaving an indelible mark. Closing their three-match ODI series against South Africa with a commanding six-wicket win, Pakistan showcased the depth and skill in their bowling unit.

Despite South Africa clinching the series 2-1, Pakistan’s last match victory provided a perfect send-off ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 beginning on September 30. Central to this triumph was Sandhu, whose career-best haul of 6 for 26 in nine overs earned her the Player of the Match accolade and etched her name among the legends of Pakistan Women’s cricket. This article highlights the top five best bowling performances by Pakistan women in ODIs, featuring Nashra and other iconic bowlers who have dazzled over the years.

Top 5 best bowling performances by Pakistan women in ODIs

1. Sajjida Shah – 7 wickets vs Japan (2003)

Sajjida Shah holds the record for the best bowling figures by a Pakistan woman in ODIs, achieved during a match against Japan in 2003. Her extraordinary spell saw her concede only four runs in eight overs, including five maidens while claiming seven wickets. This outstanding economy rate of 0.50 and a haul of seven scalps in one innings remain unparalleled in Pakistan’s women’s cricket history and have become the gold standard for bowling excellence.

2. Nashra Sandhu – 6 wickets vs South Africa (2025)

Sandhu’s spell in the third ODI against South Africa stands as one of the best in recent times. She dismantled a strong Proteas batting line-up, bowling them out for just 115 runs in 25.5 overs. Leveraging her left-arm spin mastery, Nashra took key wickets early and maintained tight control throughout, including two maidens, making scoring difficult. Her 6/26 is not only her career-best but the second-best bowling figures by a Pakistani woman in ODIs after Sajjida Shah’s iconic 7/4. This performance broke the record for the best ODI bowling figures by a Pakistan player against a Full Member nation and was critical in Pakistan clinching a morale-boosting win before the World Cup.

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3. Sana Mir – 5 wickets vs Netherlands (2010)

Sana Mir, a legendary figure in Pakistan women’s cricket, delivered a brilliant five-wicket haul against the Netherlands in 2010. Her consistent accuracy and insightful variations earned her 5 wickets at a respectable economy rate of 3.55 runs per over. The spell was crucial in putting the Dutch side under pressure and remains one of the most impactful bowling performances from Pakistan in ODI cricket’s recent past.

4. Urooj Mumtaz – 5 wickets vs West Indies (2004)

Urooj Mumtaz’s five-wicket achievement against the West Indies was an outstanding bowling display, replete with discipline against a strong batting side. Bowling ten overs with a tight economy rate of 3.30, Urooj’s five wickets demonstrated her control and tactical intelligence. Her performance has been recalled for its role in challenging a powerful opposition and remains a hallmark for Pakistan’s women bowlers.

5. Ghulam Fatima – 5 wickets vs Ireland (2022)

Ghulam Fatima, known for her wrist spin, produced an exceptional spell against Ireland in 2022, capturing five wickets with consistent accuracy. Her economy rate of 3.40 runs per over over ten overs underlined her control and ability to sustain pressure. This performance is one of the finest in recent years for Pakistan women’s cricket, showcasing their growing strength and depth in bowling.

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