LAHORE: Pakistan women will face their South Africa counterparts in the first One-day International of a three-match series at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

The second and third ODIs will be played on Feb 25 (Centurion) and March 1 (Durban).

Pakistan will be captained by Fatima Sana while Laura Wolvaardt will lead the home side.

Prior to the ODI series, Pakistan lost a three-match T20 series 2-1 in South Africa.

The touring squad features one uncapped player — left-arm pacer Tasmia Rubab who is set to make her debut in the ODI series.

The series is part of the 2025-29 ICC Women’s ODI Championship, the competition that serves as a qualification route for the 2029 Women’s World Cup. In this cycle, each side will feature in eight three-match ODI series — four home and four away. Therefore, every game carries significant value in the Championship standings.

In batting department for Pakistan, Sidra Amin has featured in 13 ODIs against South Africa, scoring 476 runs at an impressive average of 43.27, including two centuries and as many half-centuries.

In the bowling unit, left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu has played 16 matches, claiming 25 wickets at an economy rate of 4.16 with her career-best figures of 6-26 coming against the Proteas in September last year.

Talking to PCB Digital, Pakistan team’s consultant Wahab Raiz said the tourists needed to implement their plans better to reverse the result they got in the preceding T20 rubber.

“The T20I series was very competitive and we will look to give South Africa a tough time in the ODI series as well. It is all about belief. We have been playing good cricket and now need to implement our plans better,” former Test pacer Wahab said.

“ODI cricket is different to T20Is; one has to be more disciplined. The pitches are good for both bowling and batting. These wickets are supportive and aid anyone who plays good cricket.”

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2026