Torrential rain in the morning in the City of Roses delayed the toss and reduced the match to 41 overs a side. But once play got underway at Mangaung Oval, it delivered an entertaining contest.

Pakistan won the toss, and captain Fatima Sana had no hesitation in asking South Africa to bat first.

Laura Wolvaardt and Fatima Sana at the toss. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Proteas posted a competitive 260/6 in their 41 allotted overs, with skipper Laura Wolvaardt laying the foundation with a composed 43 off 50 balls. While she would have hoped to convert the start into a bigger score, her innings set the tone. 

All-rounder Suné Luus was outstanding, finishing unbeaten on 93 off 76 balls, striking eight fours and a six in a commanding innings.

However, it was wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta who lit up the innings. In her 50th WODI, Jafta produced a sensational 57* off just 38 balls, including eight boundaries, to register her maiden half-century.

The pair combined for an unbeaten 70-run stand for the seventh wicket – a partnership that ultimately proved match-winning.

South Africa started strongly with the ball. Ayanda Hlubi struck in the first over, removing Sadaf Shamas for a duck. Soon after, Nadine de Klerk had the dangerous Muneeba Ali caught behind by Jafta for just two, leaving Pakistan on the back foot.

Pakistan rebuilt through a crucial 126-run partnership between Sidra Amin (68) and Ayesha Zafar (81), who dug in to keep their side in contention.

Sinalo Jafta. Photo: Morgan Piek

The breakthrough came when Luus was introduced in a role reminiscent of Aiden Markram – and she delivered, dismissing Amin to break the stand.

Zafar continued to anchor the innings, while Aliya Riaz added a valuable 32, but the visitors were eventually bowled out for 223 in 38.5 overs.

Tumi Sekhukhune led the bowling effort with 3/50, while Luus (2/31) and De Klerk (2/36) provided strong support.

Laura Wolvaardt. Photo: Morgan Piek

Speaking to OFM Sport after the win, Luus said her focus was on batting deep for the team, despite narrowly missing out on a century.

“For me, it was about staying long and batting deep. When she came in, there were still about ten or eleven overs left, and with the bowlers to follow, my role was to stay until the end and make sure we had a solid platform.”

Ayesha Zafar. Photo: Morgan Piek

“She was hitting the ball beautifully, which made it easier for me to rotate the strike and keep her on it. When a player is in that kind of form, you give them the credit and let them take the lead.”

Luus added sharing the moment with Jafta during her maiden 50 made it even more special.

“People don’t always see the hard work we put in behind the scenes – the time, effort, and sacrifices.” 

Laura Wolvaardt and Suné Luus celebrating the breakthrough by taking Sidra Amin’s wicket. Photo: Morgan Piek

“That’s why those milestones mean so much to us. And when a teammate achieves something special, we celebrate it like it’s our own.

“We spend so much time together on tour, so those moments are really special, and I’m incredibly happy for her.”

The Proteas now head to Pretoria, where they will face Pakistan in the second WODI at SuperSport Park on Wednesday. Play is scheduled to get underway at 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg