On Sunday, Luus produced a superb unbeaten 93 in the opening Women’s One-Day International against Pakistan in Bloemfontein, steering South Africa to a memorable victory with the bat.

But it was her contribution with the ball that added real value as well. Brought into the attack in a role reminiscent of Aiden Markram, Luus made the breakthrough South Africa desperately needed. Pakistan were building a dangerous partnership, with Sidra Amin and Ayesha Zafar putting on 126 for the third wicket, before Luus stepped up.

Suné Luus - Morgan Piek

In the 24th over, she struck gold when Amin (68) was caught by Ayanda Hlubi, a moment that swung the momentum back in South Africa’s favour. She wasn’t done there either, later removing Pakistan captain Fatima Sana for five, caught by Lara Goodall.

Luus finished with tidy figures of 2/31 from six overs, playing a key role in South Africa’s 37-run win and their 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

While the 30-year-old has focused more on her batting in recent times, her record underlines her pedigree as a genuine all-rounder, with over 120 wickets in ODIs and nearly 60 in T20 internationals.

Speaking after the match at the Mangaung Oval, Luus told OFM Sport that she was more than happy to step in when captain Laura Wolvaardt called on her to bowl.

“I’m not entirely sure what the plan was at first, but I was always there as a bowling option,” said Luus.

“Laura knows how much I enjoy bowling and that I’m always keen to contribute, so she backed me and gave me a chance to see what I could do.

“She kept encouraging me, saying I deserved another over, and thankfully it paid off. I’m working my way back to being one of the frontline spinners again.”

Suné Luus en route to her unbeaten 93 in Bloemfontein - Morgan Piek

Meanwhile, the Proteas will be targeting a series-clinching victory on Wednesday when they face Pakistan in Centurion in the second ODI. With the series marking the start of the ICC Women’s Championship, Luus emphasised the importance of building early momentum in the 50-over format.

“It’s a big win for us and a great way to start our ODI campaign in a year like this - it gives us valuable momentum heading into the next game, where we have a chance to secure the series,” she said.

“We’ve done well at World Cups in the past, but not as consistently in bilateral series, especially at home, so we’re determined to change that and really stamp our authority.”

The second One-Day International at SuperSport Park is scheduled to get underway at 13:00 on Wednesday afternoon.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport