PAK-W SA-W Match Preview – With the series already in their pocket, a dominant South Africa Women will be eyeing a clean sweep when they face a beleaguered Pakistan Women in the third and final One-Day International at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday, September 22nd. The visitors have been clinical in the first two matches, showcasing their batting and bowling prowess to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. For Pakistan, this final encounter is a chance to salvage some pride and avoid a whitewash on home soil.
The series has been a run-fest, with batters from both sides making merry on a placid Lahore pitch. South Africa’s top order has been particularly brutal, with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits in sublime form, both notching up centuries. The experienced Marizanne Kapp has also been a thorn in Pakistan’s side with her all-round contributions. For the hosts, Sidra Amin has been a lone warrior with the bat, scoring a brilliant century in a losing cause in the second ODI. However, the lack of support from the rest of the batting lineup and an ineffective bowling attack have been major concerns for the Fatima Sana-led side.
PAK-W SA-W Match Details
PAK-W SA-W Head to Head
Historically, South Africa has had a stranglehold over Pakistan in the 50-over format, and the current series has been a testament to that dominance. Pakistan will have to play out of their skins to improve this lopsided record.
PAK-W SA-W Pitch Report
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has lived up to its reputation as a batting paradise throughout this series. The pitch is flat, with true bounce, offering very little for the bowlers. Batters have enjoyed the ball coming onto the bat, allowing them to play their strokes freely. While the new ball might offer a hint of movement for the seamers in the initial overs, it quickly becomes a batter’s game. Spinners might get some purchase as the match progresses, but they will need to be incredibly disciplined to contain the flow of runs. Another high-scoring encounter is on the cards.
PAK-W SA-W Weather Report
The weather in Lahore on Monday is expected to be hot and sunny, with no chance of rain. The temperature is likely to hover in the mid to high 30s (in Celsius) during the match. The players will have to contend with the heat, and fitness will be a key factor. A full, uninterrupted match is expected.
PAK-W SA-W Squads
South Africa Women Squad: Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt(c), Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Miane Smit, Nondumiso Shangase, Karabo Meso(w), Masabata Klaas, Tumi Sekhukhune, Sune Luus, Ayabonga Khaka, Sinalo Jafta, Anneke Bosch, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Pakistan Women Squad: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana(c), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Sidra Nawaz(w), Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Syeda Aroob Shah, Sadaf Shamas, Eyman Fatima, Shawaal Zulfiqar
PAK-W SA-W Probable Playing11
Pakistan Women: Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana (c), Natalia Pervaiz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Rameen Shamim
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba
PAK-W SA-W Match Prediction
Given their rampant form and the comprehensive nature of their victories in the first two ODIs, South Africa Women are the firm favorites to win the final match and complete a 3-0 series whitewash. Their batting lineup is in formidable touch, and their bowlers have been effective in picking up crucial wickets.
For Pakistan to cause an upset, they will need a monumental effort. Their batting will have to revolve around Sidra Amin, with other players like Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail needing to provide substantial support. The bowlers, led by captain Fatima Sana, will have to come up with a special performance to contain the powerful South African batting order on a placid track.
While Pakistan will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep at home, the odds are heavily stacked in favor of the visitors.
Prediction: South Africa Women to win.
