A superb all round display from Sune Luus powered South Africa to a 37 run win over Pakistan in the rain shortened first ODI in Bloemfontein, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three match series.
The match at Mangaung Oval was reduced to 41 overs a side after a weather delay. Asked to bat, South Africa were rocked early but captain Laura Wolvaardt steadied the innings with 43. When she fell at 84 for 3, the innings needed rebuilding and Luus took charge.
She added 80 runs for the fourth wicket with Annerie Dercksen in just over 12 overs to shift momentum. Even after a brief wobble that saw three wickets fall for six runs, Luus remained composed. She struck eight fours and a six in her unbeaten 93 off 76 balls, ensuring South Africa finished strongly.
Wicketkeeper batter Sinalo Jafta provided the late surge with a career best 57 not out off 38 balls at a strike rate of 150. The pair’s finishing burst lifted South Africa to 260 for 6, a total that proved decisive.
Pakistan’s chase began poorly as they slipped to 5 for 2. A 116 run stand between Sidra Amin, who made 68, and Ayesha Zafar, who top scored with 81, revived hopes. However, the required rate kept climbing.
Luus removed Amin and finished with 2 for 31, while Tumi Sekhukhune claimed 3 for 50 to seal the result. Pakistan were bowled out for 223, leaving South Africa ahead in the series.