Cricket
Kapp and Brits fire Proteas Women to 1-0 lead over Pakistan─── MORGAN PIEK 07:42 Wed, 17 Sep 2025
The Proteas have taken a 1-0 lead in the One-Day International series against Pakistan after cruising to an eight-wicket win in Lahore.
A superb 121* by Sidra Amin helped Pakistan post 255/4 in their 50 overs. They were in a commanding position at 150/1 after 30.4 overs before Muneeba Ali was trapped LBW by Ayabonga Khaka for 76. Aliya Riaz added 33, but Pakistan would have felt they left 20 to 30 runs out on the park.
Khaka was the pick of the South African bowlers with 2/36 in nine overs, while Tumi Sekhukhune chipped in with 1/37 in eight.
Sidra Amin. Photo: PCB
In reply, Marizanne Kapp struck an unbeaten 121, while Tazmin Brits added 101 not out as South Africa chased down the target with 10 balls to spare. The pair put on a magnificent 216-run stand for the third wicket.
For Kapp, it was her fourth WODI century and a career-best score. For Brits, it marked her fifth century in the format. Suné Luus also scored a handy 30 off 35 deliveries.
Rameen Shamim and Sadia Iqbal were the only wicket-takers for the hosts.
After the win, the veteran all-rounder Kapp admitted that despite appearances, it was far from an easy surface to play on, for both batters and bowlers.
“It was a funny wicket. At times it kept low, and it was really slow, not easy to bat on at all. But when I was bowling, it also felt like you couldn’t buy a wicket,” Kapp said.
“In the end, I think the partnership got us over the line. When you first walk out to bat, it’s tough, but batting with someone in rhythm makes it so much easier.”
Reflecting on her 216-run partnership with Brits, Kapp said they drew strength from one another.
Marizanne Kapp and Tazmin Brits celebrate South Africa's 8-wicket win. Photo: PCB
“I think we complemented each other really well. At times, Taz got frustrated, and I helped her through it. And when I was struggling, she kept me calm and reminded me to just watch the ball.
“It wasn’t just a run partnership, it was a proper team effort between us, talking and backing each other all the way. The conditions were next level out there today.”
The second match of the three-game series will be played on Friday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with the first ball scheduled for 12:30.
