When Laura Wolvaardt, captain of South Africa Women stepped onto the field at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on September 19, 2025, the atmosphere was electric. The second One‑Day International of the bilateral series pitted the Proteas against a resilient Pakistan side, and the stakes were clear: South Africa aimed to cement a series sweep while the hosts hoped to bounce back from an eight‑wicket drubbing in the opener. The match also served as a rehearsal for the upcoming ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025, where both teams would meet again in Colombo.
Series Overview and First ODI Recap
The tour began with South Africa Women cruising to a dominant win in Lahore. Chasing 256, the Proteas were 43 for 2 before Marizanne Kapp and Tazmin Brits stitched an unbeaten 216‑run partnership – the third‑largest stand in South African women's ODI history. Kapp’s 121* marked her third ODI century, while Brits notched her fifth ton with 101*. Pakistan’s innings, anchored by Sidra Amin’s unbeaten 121 and Muneeba Ali’s 76, ended at 255/4. A late flurry from Aliya Riaz added 33, but the total fell short of the target.
Second ODI Preview: What to Expect
Analysts tipped South Africa Women as favourites for the sequel, citing a balanced line‑up and the form of right‑arm pacer Ayabonga Khaka, who claimed two wickets for 36 runs in the first match. The toss decision could swing the game: if the Proteas elect to bowl, Pakistan’s powerplay is projected at 30‑50 runs, with a total hovering between 240‑260. Conversely, a Pakistani bowling first could see South Africa post 200‑220, nudging a home win. Key battles include Wolvaardt’s bat versus Pakistan’s spearhead Fatima Sana. Sana’s nine wickets in the series have already put pressure on the Proteas, and her extra‑pace could be the X‑factor if the pitch offers some bounce.
Probable Playing XIs
- South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Marizanne Kapp, Karabo Meso (wk), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nondumiso Shangase, Masabata Klaas, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
- Pakistan Women: Muneeba Ali, Natalia Pervaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Rameen Shamim, Fatima Sana (c), Nashra Sandhu, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal.
Statistical Insights and Head‑to‑Head Record
Across 30 recorded WODIs between the sides, South Africa Women have won 22–23 matches, while Pakistan Women have managed five or six victories, with one tie and a no‑result in the mix. The recent trend shows South Africa holding a 70‑plus per cent win‑rate in the past five meetings.
Temperature forecasts for Lahore on game day hover at 37.1 °C with partly cloudy skies – a factor that could favour spin as the day wears on.
World Cup Clash: Colombo Showdown
The two teams will cross swords again at the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 on October 21, 2025, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. By then the Proteas have already clinched a semi‑final berth, riding a four‑match winning streak and boasting an 80 % win probability against Pakistan, who sit at a bleak 20 % after three straight defeats. South Africa’s momentum is underscored by a net run rate of +1.342, bolstered by the tournament’s leading wicket‑taker Nonkululeko Mlaba (11 wickets). Pakistan, meanwhile, languishes at –1.887, their only World Cup win dating back to a 4‑wicket triumph over West Indies in March 2009. Weather in Colombo is expected to stay humid and cloudy, with temperatures dipping from 30 °C in the afternoon to 25 °C in the evening – conditions that traditionally aid swing bowlers.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Should South Africa seal the Lahore series, they will head into the World Cup with unbeaten confidence, potentially eyeing a top‑two finish in the group stage. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be desperate for a morale‑boosting win to avoid a win‑less World Cup campaign. Both sides will also be looking at squad rotations ahead of the semi‑finals. The Proteas may experiment with an extra spinner to exploit Colombo’s damp track, while Pakistan might give an emerging pace bowler a chance after the spell of heavy defeats.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa Women hold a clear statistical edge over Pakistan Women in ODI encounters.
- Batting form hinges on Wolvaardt’s consistency and the Kapp‑Brits partnership dynamic.
- Pakistan’s best hope lies in the swing of Fatima Sana and the experience of Diana Baig.
- Weather conditions in both Lahore and Colombo could influence the balance between bat and ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Lahore pitch affect South Africa’s batting strategy?
The Gaddafi Stadium surface is traditionally hard and low‑bounce, encouraging stroke play early on. South Africa will likely aim to capitalize during the powerplay, with Kapp and Brits targeting the boundary before the ball slows under the afternoon heat.
What are Pakistan’s chances of upsetting South Africa in Colombo?
Statistically, Pakistan is the underdog with a 20 % win probability, but the humid Colombo conditions could aid their seamers, especially Fatima Sana, who thrives in swing‑friendly environments.
Who are the standout performers to watch in the series?
For South Africa, expect Laura Wolvaardt to anchor the chase and Ayabonga Khaka to deliver crucial breakthroughs. Pakistan should rely on Fatima Sana’s pace and Sidra Amin’s ability to build a solid innings.
What does the head‑to‑head record suggest about future encounters?
With South Africa winning roughly 70‑80 % of past matches, the trend favours them. However, recent Pakistani wins in warm‑up games show they can compete when conditions suit their strengths.
How will the outcomes influence World Cup group standings?
A South Africa victory in Lahore would boost their net‑run‑rate, solidifying a top‑two finish. A Pakistani win, while unlikely, could tighten the points table and force South Africa to rely on bonus points in later matches.