LAHORE: A commanding 260-run opening stand between Tazmin Brits and skipper Laura Wolvaardt set up South Africa’s 25-run victory over Pakistan in the second One-day Interna­tional at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night, giving the visitors an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Brits blazed her way to 171 not out off 141 deliveries with 20 fours and four sixes — her second consecutive century of the series — while Wolvaardt compiled 100 from 129 balls as South Africa amassed 292-3 in their 46 overs, after a rain interruption reduced the innings.

Pakistan were set a revised target of 313 under the DLS method and looked on course when Sidra Amin struck a sparkling 122 off 110 balls, adding 146 for the fourth wicket with Natalia Pervaiz (73 from 60 balls).

But from a position of strength at 247-3 in the 38th over, the home side collapsed, losing their last seven wickets for just 40 runs to be all out for 287 in 44.4 overs.

Pakistan’s reply began shakily when opener Muneeba Ali was trapped leg-before by Marizanne Kapp for one. Omaima Sohail counter-attacked with 43 from 38 balls, hitting seven boundaries, before being bowled by Masabata Klaas.

After Aliya Riaz (18) fell at 101, Sidra and Natalia rebuilt the chase in style, keeping Pakistan ahead of the required rate. Sidra brought up her sixth ODI century — and second of the series — off 97 balls, while Natalia registered her maiden half-century in 42 deliveries.

However, Chloe Tryon broke the threatening partnership by bowling Sidra for 122, and with her dismissal the momentum shifted.

Captain Fatima Sana was caught by Brits off Tryon for five, and de Klerk struck twice in successive balls to remove Natalia and Diana Baig. Pakistan’s lower order offered little resistance as South Africa tightened their grip.

Nadine de Klerk was the most successful bowler with 3-45 in 6.4 overs, while Kapp (2-37) and Tryon (2-55) provided key breakthroughs.

Earlier, South Africa’s innings was completely dominated by their openers. Brits reached her century from 106 balls, studded with seven fours and four sixes, and continued to accelerate in the final overs.

Wolvaardt, more measured, completed her hundred from 128 deliveries. Their stand was finally broken by Diana Baig, who dismissed both Wolvaardt (100) and de Klerk in consecutive balls with the total on 260.

Annerie Dercksen was run out for three, but Brits ensured South Africa closed strongly on 292-3.

Diana finished with 2-45, while the rest of Pakistan’s bowlers struggled, with Fatima Sana conceding 65 runs in her nine overs.

The final ODI will be played at the same venue on Monday.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2025