Pakistan secures consolation victory in Third ODI against South Africa

Karachi: After struggling in the first two ODIs, a brilliant display of batting from the Pakistan top-order allowed the hosts to avoid a whitewash against South Africa.

With half-centuries from the experienced duo of Sidra Amin and Bismah Maroof, the home side remained completely in control of the innings while chasing 186.

South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. After captain Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed for a duck, Tazmin Brits and Lara Goodall put up a 35-run-partnership to give their side a stable start. However, Lara retired hurt, and the partnership was broken.

South Africa suffered a flurry of wickets until Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk built a 36-run-partnership, followed by a 37-run-stand between de Klerk and Delmi Tucker. Tight bowling and two wickets each by the spinners Sadia Iqbal, Nida Dar and Nashra Sundhu kept the opposition on their toes. 25 runs made off the last-wicket partnership helped the side get to 185.

Chasing 186, the Nida-led side had a comfortable start. A 39-run-stand between the openers, followed by a 110 run-stand between Sidra and Bismah strengthened their position in the chase. De Klerk broke the partnership, however, by then the damage had been done.

Aliya Riaz, joining Bismah on the crease, contributed at the end effectively chasing the target with 72 balls remaining.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan win by 8 wickets (72 balls remaining)

South Africa: 185 all out in 48.1 overs (Nadine de Klerk 60, Tazmin Brits 32; Sadia Iqbal 2-26, Nida Dar 2-31, Nashra Sundhu 2-37).

Pakistan: 186-2 in 38 overs (Sidra Amin 68, Bismah Maroof 60 not out; Ayabonga Khaka 1-27, Nadine de Klerk 1-33).

Player of the match: Sidra Amin (Pakistan)

Player of the series: Nadine de Klerk (South Africa)