DURBAN: South Africa women’s team narrowly beat Pakistan women by just three runs in the first of the three One-day Internationals at the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. This was Pakistan women team’s first appearance in international cricket after a gap of 10 months.

Chasing 201 to win, the tourists fell just three runs short at 197 for eight in 50 overs. Nida Dar top-scored with an unbeaten 59 0ff 93 balls, hitting three fours. Omaima Sohail (37 off 67 balls, five fours) was other notable run-getter.

Pakistan were reduced to 137 for eight in 40.4 overs before Nida was joined by Diana Baig. The pair contributed a record-breaking unbeaten 60 for the ninth-wicket. For the hosts, Shabnim Ismail picked three wickets for 42.

Earlier, pacer Diana (3-46) struck on the fourth ball of the match to send Lizelle Lee (0) back to the pavilion and rattled South Africa captain Sune Luus’ stumps in the fifth over. A 60-run partnership between Laura Wolvaardt (40) and Lara Goodall (27) provided stability to South Africa’s innings.

Mignon du Preez (29) and Marizanne Kapp (47) then stitched a fighting 64-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2021