South Africa opened their women’s ODI series against Pakistan with a dominant eight-wicket win on Tuesday, as Marizanne Kapp and Tazmin Brits struck unbeaten centuries to chase down 256 at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Sidra Amin’s fighting 121 not out anchored Pakistan’s innings, but her effort went in vain as the Proteas sealed victory with 10 balls to spare.
Pakistan, opting to bat first, recovered from the early loss of Shawaal Zulfiqar for a duck to post 255/4 in 50 overs. Sidra and Muneeba Ali built a record 147-run stand for the second wicket, with Muneeba contributing 76 off 94 balls. Aliya Riaz added 33 in a 68-run partnership with Sidra, but quick dismissals of Riaz and skipper Fatima Sana slowed the momentum. Sidra carried her bat with a 150-ball century featuring 12 fours. Ayabonga Khaka led South Africa’s attack with 2-36.
In reply, South Africa suffered early setbacks as captain Laura Wolvaardt fell for four and Sune Luus made 30 before departing at 43/2. From there, Kapp and Brits dominated, adding an unbroken 216-run partnership that crushed Pakistan’s hopes.
Kapp top-scored with 121 from 128 balls, hitting 13 fours and two sixes, while Brits crafted 101 off 121 deliveries with nine boundaries.
The win gave South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second ODI set for Friday in Lahore.
