The Proteas women suffered a devastating blow at the start to their three-match ODI series against Pakistan, slipping to a record, eight-wicket loss to the visitors at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom on Monday.
Batting first after losing the toss, the hosts were blown away for a poor 63 in 22.5 overs – their second lowest score ever in 50-over cricket.
This after off-break bowler and former captain, Sana Mir claimed an incredible 4/11 in six overs of torture, one of which was a maiden.
The visitors then made light work of the total as an unbeaten 34 off 43 balls, including seven fours by Javeria Khan led them to a lopsided win with a massive 212 balls to spare.
It was one of the subcontinent nation’s finest wins in ODI cricket and only the fourth time they had beaten the South Africans in 19 attempts.
The result was undoubtedly set up by Player of the Match, Mir’s exceptional effort with the spin, while she was also aided by an almost equally brilliant effort from fellow slow bowler Nashra Sandhu, whose figures read 5.5-3-8-2.
Only two home batters managed doubled figures, top-scorer Chloe Tryon (21) and Mignon du Preez (18).
Fellow spinner Nida Dar claimed 2/12 in five overs.
Shabnim Ismail (1/18) and Marizanne Kapp (1/19) did manage a wicket each, but that proved a mere consolation as Pakistan cantered to victory, claiming the first two of six crucial ICC Women’s Championship points up for grabs in the series.
Match two of the series takes place at Senwes Park on 9 May 2019, with play starting at 10:00 SAST. Entrance is free.
Proteas women’s ODI team
Suné Luus (captain, Northerns)
Chloe Tryon (vice-captain, KwaZulu-Natal Coastal)
Lizelle Lee (wicketkeeper, North West)
Andrie Steyn (Western Province)
Laura Wolvaardt (Western Province)
Shabnim Ismail (Gauteng)
Mignon du Preez (Northerns)
Tumi Sekhukhune (North West)
Masabata Klaas (North West)
Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province)
Nadine de Klerk (Northerns)
Zintle Mali (Border)
Nondumiso Shangase (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal)
Sinalo Jafta (wicketkeeper, North West)
Proteas women’s T20 team
Suné Luus (captain, Northerns)
Chloe Tryon (vice-captain, KwaZulu-Natal Coastal)
Lizelle Lee (North West)
Tazmin Brits (North West)
Laura Wolvaardt (Western Province)
Shabnim Ismail (Gauteng)
Mignon du Preez (Northerns)
Tumi Sekhukhune (North West)
Masabata Klaas (North West)
Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province)
Nadine de Klerk (Northerns)
Moseline Daniels (Border)
Nondumiso Shangase (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal)
Sinalo Jafta (wicketkeeper, North West)
Tour Itinerary
Thu 09 Day | 2nd Women’s ODI | Senwes Park, Potchefstroom
Sun 12 Day | 3rd Women’s ODI | Willowmoore Park, Benoni
Wed 15 Day | 1st Women’s T20I | Assupol Tuks Oval, Pretoria
Sat 18 Day | 2nd Women’s T20I | Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg
Sun 19 Day | 3rd Women’s T20I | Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg
Wed 22 Day | 4th Women’s T20I | Willowmoore Park, Benoni
Thu 23 Day | 5th Women’s T20I | Willowmoore Park, Benoni
