South Africa closed out a 3-0 ODI series win over Pakistan with an emphatic 32-run victory at Kingsmead.
The Proteas had set an achievable target of 201, but Captain Sune Luus drew his 100th ODI’s career wicket during a crucial period, discarding three of Pakistan’s top and middle order to take the breath away from the visitors’ chase and help the locals launch Pakistan at full speed for 169.
For Pakistan, closer Diana Baig enjoyed the best bowling figures of her career at 4/30.
A strong first ground partnership between Lizelle Lee and Laura Woolvaardt put the Proteas in a good position within the first 10 overs at 49/0, with Fatima Sana feeling the ire of the starting pair as they sent her for 14 in just the fifth over of entries.
The pair continued to grow steadily until Lee (49) was fired by Nashra Sandhu just one career out of his half century in the 18th.th more to put South Africa at 79/1.
Woolvaardt kicked in the absence of his starting partner, reaching 50 of 60 balls as he sent Sana over the edge in consecutive deliveries, giving the hosts 118/1 in the middle of the stage.
Baig forced a breakthrough three overs later, discarding Wolvaardt at 58, caught behind by Sidra Nawaz and went on to discard Lara Goodall three balls later for a duck.
The South African higher and middle order continued to fall relatively cheaply, with Luus (15), Tazmin Brits (4) Anneke Bosch (15) and Shabnim Ismail (1), leaving South Africa at 157/7 in 38th above.
But a stubborn 34 hitter from hitter and guard Trisha Chetty helped rack up some needed runs late in innings, eventually falling to Baig and the Proteas in the final in 201.
Seamer Ismail got straight into the Pakistani batters, ruling out Nahida Khan (3) and Omaima Sohail (2) within five overs.
Then it was Luus’ turn to torment the tourists, first taking the Kainat Imtiaz wicket by 16, before the dangerous duo of Javeria Khan (33) and Nida Dar (14) left Pakistan reeling at 73/5 after 25.1 overs.
Nawaz and series leading scorer Aliya Riaz put up some resistance for the sixth wicket, making 41 runs before Ayabonga Khaka’s heavy catch from his own bowling alley sent Nawaz back to the pavilion at 25.
Pakistan’s slim hopes had been dashed when Ismail kicked Riaz in the 27th with Pakistan still 70 runs from the 201 goal in 39.th above.
Baig’s late rally ensured Pakistan continued to fight before being duped by a slicker slower delivery from Khaka and a clean pitch for 21, the visitors ultimately falling by 169.
The two sides will now play a three-game T20 International Series starting Friday.
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