LAHORE: Pakistan Women lost their final eight wickets for 92 runs to go down by 37 runs against South Africa Women in the first ICC Women’s Championship ODI in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

In a match reduced to 41 overs a side, Pakistan were cruising at 131 for two in the 24th over in pursuit of a 261-run target before they lost their way and were bowled out for 223 in 38.5 overs.

Ayesha Zafar was Pakistan’s top scorer with a 94-ball 81 that included seven fours. Together with Sidra Amin, who contributed a 69-ball 68 with nine fours, Ayesha added 126 runs from 124 balls for the third wicket after Pakistan had lost openers Sadaf Shamas (0) and Muneeba Ali (2) with the score at five.

Ayesha then added 29 runs for the fourth wicket with Natalia Pervaiz and 15 runs for the fifth wicket with Sana Fatima. After Pakistan slipped to 178 for six, Aliya Riaz (32) and Syeda Aroob Shah put on 30 runs for the seventh wicket, but the target proved too stiff as Pakistan were dismissed for 233 with 13 balls remaining.

For South Africa, Tumi Sekhukhune grabbed three for 50 and Sune Luus picked up two for 31.

Earlier in the day, Luus scored a brilliant unbeaten 93 off 76 balls with eight fours and a six. In partnership with Sinalo Jafta, who scored a quickfire 42-ball 57 not out with eight fours, Luus added 90 runs for the unbroken seventh wicket in just 56 balls – a stand that proved decisive.

Luus was also involved in an 80-run fourth-wicket partnership with Annerie Dercksen, who contributed 31 from 37 balls. Skipper and opener Laura Wolvaardt was the other notable run-scorer with 43 from 50 balls.

For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu picked up two wickets for 45 runs, while Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Syeda Aroob Shah, and Ayesha Zafar took one wicket apiece.

The second ODI will be played under lights at Centurion on 25 February.

Scores in brief:

1st ODI – South Africa Women beat Pakistan Women by 37 runs

South Africa Women 260-6, 41 overs (Sune Luus 93 not out, Sinalo Jafta 57 not out, Laura Wolvaardt 43; Nashra Sandhu 2-45)

Pakistan Women 223 all-out, 38.5 overs (Ayesha Zafar 81, Sidra Amin 68, Aliya Riaz 32; Tumi Sekhukhune 3-50, Sune Luus 2-31)

Player of the match – Sune Luus (South Africa)

Next match – 25 Feb, Centurion (d/n)