Bloemfontein, South Africa – Sune Luus delivered a masterful all-round performance, supported by a significant contribution from Sinalo Jafta, as the Proteas Women secured a 37-run victory over Pakistan in the opening one-day international at the Mangaung Oval on . The win establishes South Africa at the top of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 points table.
Luus was rightfully named Player of the Match after an unbeaten 93 off 76 balls, including eight fours and one six, with the bat, and a disciplined 2/31 in six overs with the ball. Her performance proved to be the defining factor in an engaging contest. Jafta, celebrating her 50th international appearance, played a crucial role with a maiden ODI half-century, scoring an unbeaten 57 off 38 deliveries (eight fours), helping the Proteas build a defendable total.
The match experienced a two-and-a-half-hour delay due to morning rain, resulting in a reduced 41-overs-a-side format. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first. Captain Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with a solid 43 off 50 balls (five fours), while Annerie Dercksen contributed 31 off 37 (three fours and one six), sharing an important 8-run partnership with Luus. However, it was the late-innings partnership of 90 runs off 56 balls between Luus and Jafta that propelled the Proteas to a competitive score of 260/6.
Pakistan’s chase revolved around a 126-run third-wicket partnership between Ayesha Zafar, who scored 81 off 94 balls (seven fours), and Sidra Amin, who added 68 off 69 deliveries (nine fours). However, the rest of the Pakistan batting lineup struggled to provide substantial support. Aliya Riaz managed 32 off 26 balls, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Pakistan from being all out for 223.
Tumi Sekhukhune was the pick of the Proteas bowlers, claiming 3/50. Nadine de Klerk also bowled effectively, taking 2/36, and Luus contributed with her two wickets. The bowling attack collectively restricted Pakistan’s scoring opportunities and ultimately secured the victory.
“I am really happy to get the win. It was a proper sort of team effort with the ball,” said a pleased Wolvaardt during the post-match presentation. “There was some great work up front from Sune with the bat and then Jaffie (Jafta) with that quickfire cameo at the end there. So a bit of an all-round performance and very happy to take the points.”
Luus’s performance underscores her importance to the Proteas Women’s team, demonstrating her ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball. Jafta’s milestone half-century also marks a significant moment in her career and highlights the growing depth within the South African squad.
The victory is particularly significant as South Africa aims to perform strongly in the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. This win not only secures a lead in the series against Pakistan but also provides a confidence boost as they prepare for more challenging encounters. The team’s ability to adapt to the reduced-overs format, following the rain delay, further demonstrates their resilience and tactical flexibility.
The Proteas Women will look to build on this momentum as the series progresses, aiming to maintain their position at the top of the points table and continue their preparation for the World Cup. The Pakistan team, while showing glimpses of potential through the partnership between Zafar and Amin, will need to address their batting depth and consistency to challenge South Africa in the remaining matches.
The match showcased the competitive spirit and growing talent within women’s cricket, with both teams displaying determination and skill. Luus’s all-round brilliance, combined with Jafta’s impactful innings and the disciplined bowling performance of the Proteas, ultimately proved decisive in securing a well-deserved victory.
