Suné Luus starred with bat and ball as the Proteas Women claimed a 37-run win over the Pakistan Women in the first ODI in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Luus anchored the innings with an unbeaten 93 off 76 balls, while Sinalo Jafta hit 57* off 38 to register her maiden international half-century. Their efforts powered South Africa to 260-6 in a rain-reduced 41-over contest.
Pakistan were bowled out for 223 in 38.5 overs despite half-centuries from Ayesha Zafar (81 off 94 balls) and Sidra Amin (68 off 69). Tumi Sekhukhune (3-50) and Luus (2-31) led the home side’s attack.
After a delayed start, the Proteas Women lost the toss and were sent in to bat. Tazmin Brits (10) fell early to Diana Baig (1-48), but Laura Wolvaardt (43) and Lara Goodall (13) helped the hosts to 52-1 after 10 overs.
Goodall was dismissed by Sadia Iqbal (1-51) as South Africa moved to 70-2 at the drinks break. Wolvaardt then fell for 43, seven short of her half-century.
Luus and Annerie Dercksen (31) rebuilt with an 80-run stand to take the Proteas Women to 143-3 at halfway. Luus brought up her 19th ODI fifty before Dercksen was dismissed by Aroob Shah (1-39). Chloé Tryon (nought) soon followed, bowled by Nashra Sandhu (2-45).
Jafta’s counter-attacking knock shifted momentum decisively. She reached her maiden ODI fifty in her 50th match as she and Luus shared a decisive 90-run partnership to lift South Africa to 260-6.
With the ball, Ayanda Hlubi (1-22) and Nadine de Klerk (2-36) reduced Pakistan to 5-2 inside four overs. Amin and Zafar responded with a 100-run stand for the third wicket, taking the score to 159-3 after 28 overs.
Luus broke the partnership and South Africa tightened their grip. Sekhukhune removed Natalia Pervaiz (seven), while Luus dismissed Fatima Sana (five) to leave Pakistan 175-5.
De Klerk claimed the key wicket of Zafar, and although Aliya Riaz (32) offered resistance, Sekhukhune wrapped up the innings by removing Baig (nought) and Sandhu (four), sealing victory with 13 balls to spare.
The second ODI will be played in Centurion on Wednesday (2pm).
Photo: Charle Lombard/Gallo Images
