Brits’ 171, Wolvaardt century sink Pakistan in thriller

News Desk

Lahore: With just 11 days left for the Women’s World Cup, Pakistan and South Africa served up a high-scoring spectacle in Lahore. The night produced three memorable centuries, a rain twist, and a late collapse, before South Africa sealed a 25-run victory to clinch the series 2-0 with one match to spare.

Asked to bat first, South Africa’s opening pair of Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt put Pakistan’s bowlers under relentless pressure. Brits hammered her career-best 171 not out, while captain Wolvaardt registered her ninth ODI ton.

Their 260-run opening stand set the tone, with Brits hitting 20 fours and four sixes to back up her unbeaten hundred from the series opener. South Africa eventually finished on 292 for 3 after the rain-shortened innings of 46 overs.

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Pakistan’s reply was equally spirited. Despite losing early wickets, Sidra Amin anchored the chase with her sixth ODI century, a classy 122, supported by Natalia Pervaiz’s stroke-filled 73. Their 146-run partnership had Pakistan within striking distance, needing 66 off 49 balls. But just as the momentum swung towards the hosts, Chloe Tryon broke through, dismissing Amin and sparking a collapse.

From 247 for 4, Pakistan tumbled, losing their last seven wickets for just 40 runs. Nadine de Klerk’s disciplined 3 for 45 ensured South Africa stayed on top, and the visitors closed out a series win despite being sloppy in the field—dropping Amin multiple times.

For Pakistan, Amin’s century and Pervaiz’s fight will be positives heading into the World Cup, but the middle-order fragility remains a concern. For South Africa, Brits’ record-breaking form and Wolvaardt’s consistency are ominous signs for future opponents.

It was a game that had everything—big hundreds, quickfire partnerships, rain drama, and a dramatic finish—but in the end, South Africa’s experience trumped Pakistan’s fightback.