Pakistan Women’s opener Sadaf Shamaz benefited from a sloppy Proteas effort in the field to power the visitors to the 306/8 in the “Black Day” third ODI at Kingsmead on Sunday.
Each year, Cricket South Africa (CSA) marks Black Day as a visible stand against gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. It is a day where players wear black to mourn victims, support survivors and unite in solidarity against a persistent social crisis.
Shamaz struck 97 off 82 balls (16×4, 1×6) after being offered a reprieve early on when Proteas opening bowler Ayanda Hlubi overstepped. It was hugely disappointing for the young seamer as it was the perfect off-cutter that rattled the stumps.
But Shamaz grew in confidence after the let-off with a boundary down to fine-leg two balls later that kick-started her innings.
Shamaz was particularly severe on Tumi Sekhukhune after the medium-pacer was recalled to the side.
The opener dominated a 130-run partnership for the second wicket with Sidra Amin (41 off 64 balls) to set up a record chase for the Proteas at Kingsmead.
The Proteas’ outfield catching also left a lot to be desired with eight chances being put down.
Shamaz was well-supported from Pakistan captain Fatima Sana (60, 41 balls, 3×4,5×6) after Proteas off-spinner Sune Luus (3/42) pegged back the visitors during the middle period. Luus picked up the big wicket of Shamaz – just three runs shy of her century – when the opener chipped the ball back straight to her.
SCORECARD
Pakistan: 306/8 (Shamaz 97, Amin 41, Sana 60, Luus 3/42, Mlaba 2/56)
South Africa require 307 runs for victory.
