Pakistan women win toss and bat against Proteas women in series opener

The Pakistan women won the toss and chose to bat first in the opening one-day International (ODI) against the Proteas women at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday afternoon.

It is the first game in their three match series, and is essentially a build up for both teams ahead of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup taking place in India and Sri Lanka starting at the end of the month.

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt spoke earlier in the week about the importance of the series in getting used to the conditions on the subcontinent ahead of the showpiece event.

“This series is super crucial for us. Obviously, heading into the World Cup, getting to be in the subcontinent before is a massive opportunity,” said Wolvaardt.

“Getting used to conditions, getting used to how hot it is, obviously coming from winter at home, it's been a bit of an adjustment. And just to play cricket together again as a group.

“We've last played together maybe five, six weeks ago, so just to get some momentum leading into a big tournament like that will be huge.”

PAKISTAN WOMEN: Muneeba Ali, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana (c), Natalia Parvaiz, Sidra Nawaz, Rameen Shamin, Diana Baig, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqal

PROTEAS WOMEN: Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt (c), Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen, Miane Smit, Sinalo Jafta, Nondumiso Shangase, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune