Spin sends South Africa Women tumbling in opening ODI against Pakistan

South Africa had a dreadful start to their three-match ICC Women's Championship (IWC) ODI series against Pakistan after slipping to a record, eight-wicket loss at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom on Monday. Batting first after losing the toss, the hosts were blown away for a poor 63 in 22.5 overs - their second lowest score ever in 50-over cricket - as an off-break bowler and former Pakistan captain Sana Mir claimed an incredible 4/11 in six overs of torture, one of which was a maiden.

The visitors then made light work of the total as an unbeaten 34 off 43 balls, including seven fours by Javeria Khan led them to a lopsided win with a massive 212 balls to spare. It was one of the subcontinent nation's finest wins in ODI format and only the fourth time they had beaten South Africa in 19 attempts.

The result was undoubtedly set up by Player of the Match, Mir's exceptional effort with the spin, while she was also aided by an almost equally brilliant effort from fellow slow bowler Nashra Sandhu, whose figures read 5.5-3-8-2 and spinner Nida Dar, who claimed 2/12 in five overs. Only two home batters managed doubled figures, top-scorer Chloe Tryon (21) and Mignon du Preez (18).

Fast bowlers Shabnim Ismail (1/18) and Marizanne Kapp (1/19) did manage a wicket each, but that proved a mere consolation as Pakistan cantered to victory, claiming the first two of six crucial IWC points up for grabs in the series. South Africa and Pakistan will next meet for second ODI of the sequence at Senwes Park on May 9. (ANI)

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