Cricket

Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women: PAK-W 146/1 After 22.1 Overs as SA-W Opt to Bowl in 3rd ODI

In the third ODI of the Pakistan Women tour of South Africa on 1 March 2026, Pakistan Women posted 146 for 1 in 22.1 overs as South Africa Women opted to bowl first at Kingsmead, Durban. The match is part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025–27 cycle, and South Africa enter as series winners (2–0 up), while Pakistan bat for pride in a high‑scoring series that has already produced the second‑highest aggregate in women’s ODI history (706 runs in the second ODI).

Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women: Early Momentum

Pakistan Women got off to a solid start after South Africa Women won the toss and chose to field. By the end of the 22.1st over, the visitors had reached 146 for 1, giving them a scoring rate of 6.55 runs per over without losing more than one wicket. Only one batter has fallen so far, which keeps the pressure on the Proteas’ attack to break the new‑ball partnership early.

The Durban pitch has carried well in recent white‑ball games, and both teams have shown they can clear the rope regularly. If Pakistan can push past 250 with several wickets in hand, they will stand a real chance of posting a competitive total in this Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women clash.

Key Batting Performances So Far

So far, Pakistan’s openers and first‑wicket pair have ensured the run‑chase‑style rhythm continues from the first two games. The stand put on 133 runs by 19 overs indicates strong intent and tight shot selection, with minimal risk‑taking against the new ball. Batters have particularly targeted the middle‑overs bowlers, scoring 13 runs in the last five overs without a wicket to keep the scoring rate above 7.0.

South Africa’s leading wicket‑taker in the series, Nadine de Klerk, has taken 7 wickets across three ODIs, so Pakistan’s middle order will need to stay disciplined against her cutters and slower balls. A disciplined 30–40‑over push with minimal wickets lost could yet push Pakistan towards a 280+ total if they bat out the innings.

Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women: Series Context

South Africa Women hold a 2–0 series lead in this three‑match ODI series, with both victories coming in high‑scoring contests. In the second ODI, South Africa scored 361/8, and Pakistan replied with 345/10, falling agonizingly short by 16 runs despite striking at over 6.9 runs per over. Ayesha Zafar leads Pakistan’s batting charts with 156 runs from three innings, while South Africa’s Annerie Dercksen has chipped in with 90 and 3 wickets in the second game.

The following table shows key series stats for context:

MetricPakistan WomenSouth Africa Women
Series lead (out of 3 ODIs)0–22–0 geosuper+1
Highest total in the series345/10 (ODI 2) 361/8 (ODI 2)
Leading run‑scorer (series)Ayesha Zafar (156) Annerie Dercksen (90)
Leading wicket‑taker (series)Nashra Sandhu (6) Nadine de Klerk (7)

What Comes Next in Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women

Pakistan Women now need to convert this 146/1 into a total that genuinely pressures South Africa’s experienced batting line‑up. If they reach at least 270–280 with seven‑plus wickets in hand, they will have a fighting chance to split this Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women series narrative, even if they lose on the day.

For fans, the key watchpoints are the middle‑order glue‑players (Aliya Riaz, Gull Feroza, and captain Fatima Sana) and whether South Africa brings on Dercksen and de Klerk early enough to break the stand.

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