Nashra Sandhu's 6‑for‑26 Powers Pakistan Women to 3‑0 Series Win at Lahore
When Nashra Sandhu, fast‑medium bowler ripped through the South African batting line‑up with figures of 6 for 26, Pakistan Women clinched a 3‑0 clean sweep in the three‑match One Day International series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 22 September 2025. The win not only salvaged national pride after a bruising defeat in the second win but also bolstered Pakistan’s position in the 2025‑2029 ICC Women's Championship as the side gears up for a World Cup later this year.
Series Overview – From Shock to Dominance
The 3rd ODI, South Africa Women tour of PakistanGaddafi Stadium, Lahore capped a three‑match bilateral series that began on 16 September with a modest win for Pakistan, swung dramatically in South Africa’s favour on 19 September when they posted a towering 292/3, and then snapped back dramatically on the final day. The stark contrast – from 292 runs to a paltry 115 – underscored the volatility of women's ODIs and the impact of conditions in Punjab.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) match report, the series served as a crucial preparation block for the upcoming Women's Cricket World Cup slated for early 2026 in India. The PCB also noted that the series attracted a cumulative attendance of roughly 45,000 spectators, a record for women’s cricket in Lahore.
Match Details – Sandhu’s Bowling Masterclass
Sandhu’s spell was a textbook example of how a disciplined spinner can dictate the tempo. After the opening partnership of 44 between Laura Wolard and Karabome Messo set the stage, the Pakistan attack struck. Sandhu claimed the first wicket at 2.3 overs, removing Wolard for 12, and then struck again in quick succession – a double‑wicket burst that left the South Africans reeling.
Her economy of 2.60 runs per over, coupled with a strike rate of 8.3 balls per wicket, ranks as the second‑best figures ever recorded by a Pakistani woman bowler in ODIs, according to ESPNcricinfo statistics. The sixth wicket, a clean bowled Messo, sealed the innings at 115 all out in 27.4 overs, a collapse that PCB commentators described as a “major nose‑dive”.
Batting Contributions – Amin’s Steady Hand
Chasing 116, the Pakistan batting line‑up displayed composure rarely seen in the earlier fixtures. Sidra Amin, top‑order batter anchored the innings with a crisp 50 off 58 balls, her half‑century arriving with a lofted drive through covers that sparked a brief celebration among the home crowd.
Behind her, Mona (full name Mona Ahmed) provided aggression in the power play, scoring 28 runs at a strike rate of 115. The partnership between Amin and Mona yielded 71 runs for the second wicket, ensuring that Pakistan lost only a single wicket before achieving the target with ten balls to spare.
PCB’s head coach Umar Gul praised the innings, noting, “Sidra is in the form of her life. If she carries this forward, she could be the linchpin for our World Cup campaign.”
Reactions and Implications – What This Means for Both Sides
South African captain Asha Patel admitted that the spin department had underperformed, saying, “We were too confident after the 292. The conditions favoured the turn, and we didn’t adapt fast enough.” Her sentiment was echoed by Cricket South Africa analyst Thabo Mokoena, who highlighted the need for better middle‑order depth in sub‑continental tours.
For Pakistan, the series win translates into valuable points in the ICC Women’s Championship, tightening the gap with New Zealand, which sits just two points ahead. Moreover, the performance has sparked a surge in social‑media chatter, with the hashtag #BackOurGirls trending for 12 hours after the match, reflecting growing public support for women’s cricket in the country.
Looking Ahead – The Road to the World Cup and Upcoming Tour
Following the Lahore triumph, the PCB confirmed that the Pakistan Women’s squad will embark on a reciprocal tour of South Africa in February‑March 2026, featuring three ODIs and three T20 Internationals. The itinerary, released in March 2025, mirrors the current series and is earmarked as a decisive block for both teams in the ICC Women’s Championship.
Experts from the International Cricket Council (ICC) suggest that Pakistan’s spin attack, led by Sandhu, could become a tournament‑defining weapon, especially on slower pitches expected in the upcoming World Cup venues such as Nagpur and Dharamshala.
In the meantime, the PCB has pledged additional funding for grassroots programs, aiming to replicate the success of the Lahore series by nurturing talent in Punjab’s schools and colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect Pakistan Women’s chances in the ICC Women’s Championship?
The 3‑0 series win adds eight points to Pakistan’s tally, narrowing the gap to the second‑placed New Zealand to just two points. With three matches left in the qualification window, each win becomes crucial, and the spin‑rich performance in Lahore could give Pakistan an edge on slower surfaces expected later in the tournament.
What were the standout performances in the match?
Nashra Sandhu’s 6‑for‑26 is the headline‑grabbing feat, marking the second‑best ODI bowling figures for Pakistan women. Sidra Amin’s exactly‑50 run half‑century steadied the chase, while Mona’s quick‑fire 28 in the power play gave the team momentum. Together they combined for 128 of the required 116, showcasing depth in both bowling and batting.
Why did South Africa’s batting collapse after a strong start?
South Africa’s openers built a 44‑run partnership, but the pitch at Gaddafi Stadium offered turn from the fourth over onward. Pakistan’s spinners, especially Sandhu, exploited the lateral bounce, breaking the partnership and forcing the middle order into defensive play. A lack of experience against quality spin in sub‑continental conditions accelerated the collapse.
Who are the key players to watch for Pakistan in the upcoming South Africa tour?
Beyond Sandhu and Amin, emerging all‑rounder Fatima Khan (who debuted last month) has shown promise with both bat and ball. Fast bowler Ayesha Ahmad’s yorker variations and keeper‑batter Zainab Malik’s agility behind the stumps are also likely to feature prominently as Pakistan seeks to build on its recent momentum.
When is the next Women’s ODI series for Pakistan after the South Africa tour?
Following the South Africa stint in early 2026, Pakistan Women are slated to host England for a two‑match ODI series in June 2026, a fixture confirmed by the ICC’s 2025‑2029 calendar. Those matches will serve as the final qualifying round before the World Cup later that year.
