South Africa’s women’s side edged Pakistan by six runs at Bay Oval on October 9, 2025, stretching the Pakistani side’s losing streak to an unenviable 17 straight matches in the Women's World Cup. The narrow victory was clinched after South Africa were bowled out for just 115, and Pakistan fell short of the modest target, finishing on 109.
Background to the tournament
The ICC Women's World Cup 2025New Zealand kicked off in late September, featuring ten national sides vying for the coveted title. While powerhouses like Australia and India have already posted big scores, Pakistan has struggled to find footing, losing every match they’ve played so far.
For Pakistan, the tournament has become a litmus test of their development programme. Chairman Zaka Ashraf, who heads the Pakistan Cricket Board, admitted after the Bangladesh clash that “we need to reassess our strategy and give our youngsters more exposure”. Head coach Mohammad Wasim echoed the sentiment, noting that the team’s morale is fragile but not broken.
Match overview at Bay Oval
The venue – Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui – is known for its seaming pitch, but on the day it offered a little assistance to spin. South Africa won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that would prove costly.
Opening duo Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa’s captain, and Kabelo Meso negotiated a solid 44‑run partnership in the powerplay. Their run‑rate was steady, but after the 10‑over mark the Pakistani spinners turned the tide.
Spin ace Nashra Sandhu produced a career‑best 6 for 26, dismantling the middle order in a span of just 12 balls. Fellow spinner Arub Sha chipped in with two crucial wickets, leaving South Africa at 115 all out in 25.5 overs.
Pakistan’s chase began positively, with opener Sidra Ameen guiding the side to 40 without loss. However, the required run‑rate crept up, and wickets fell at regular intervals. A late surge by Faiza Khan took the score to 109, but the final six runs remained elusive.
Key performances and statistics
- Nashra Sandhu 6/26 – second‑best figures for a Pakistani bowler in Women’s ODIs.
- Laura Wolvaardt’s 200th international appearance – a milestone celebrated with a modest 35 runs before falling to Sandhu.
- South Africa’s total of 115 is the lowest defended score in the tournament so far.
- Pakistan’s chase of 116 resulted in a 6‑run defeat, marking their 17th consecutive loss.
- Arub Sha’s 2 wickets included the crucial dismissals of Wolvaardt and Meso.
Statistically, the match featured 13 wickets in 52.5 overs, an economy rate of 2.45 runs per over for the Pakistani bowlers – the most restrictive spell of the World Cup to date.
Reactions from teams and officials
Post‑match, South Africa’s captain Wolvaardt said, “We fell short of our own expectations, but the bowlers gave us the win. It’s a reminder that every run counts.” The South African board – Cricket South Africa – praised the bowlers’ discipline and hinted at a stronger batting order for the next fixtures.
Pakistan’s coach Wasim, on the other hand, expressed disappointment tempered with optimism: “The spin department showed flash, but we need more consistency in the top order. The next match against New Zealand will be a test of our resilience.”
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council released a brief statement highlighting the competitive nature of women’s cricket and urging member boards to invest in grassroots development, especially in nations with prolonged losing streaks.
Implications for Pakistan’s World Cup campaign
The 17‑match skid underscores systemic issues within Pakistan women’s cricket. Analysts point to a lack of domestic infrastructure, limited high‑performance coaching, and scarce international exposure. A recent report by the Asian Cricket Council noted that Pakistan’s women’s domestic league runs only three weeks per year, compared with ten weeks in Australia.
For the PCB, the loss may trigger a review of selection policies. Veteran all‑rounder Mahnoor Shah has been out of the squad for three tournaments; rumors suggest she could be recalled for the upcoming group stage match against New Zealand.
Financially, a string of defeats could affect sponsorship deals. Current sponsor Pepsi Pakistan has a clause tied to performance metrics, and early indications suggest renegotiations may be on the table.
Looking ahead: what’s next for both sides?
South Africa’s next encounter is against India on October 11 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. With the tournament’s knockout stage looming, the Proteas will aim to tighten their batting, a known weakness after the Bay Oval game.
Pakistan, meanwhile, faces a daunting clash with the host nation New Zealand on October 12. The match will be played at the same Bay Oval ground, offering a familiar setting but also a quick reminder of the spin‑friendly conditions that helped them claw out a win previously against Bangladesh.
Experts predict that if Pakistan can replicate Sandhu’s spell and add a solid partnership at the top, they might finally break the losing streak. Otherwise, the PCB may be forced to fast‑track younger talent, a move that could reshape the team’s composition for years to come.
Key facts
- Match date: October 9, 2025
- Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
- South Africa 115/10 (25.5 overs)
- Pakistan 109/9 (30 overs)
- Result: South Africa won by 6 runs
- Pakistan’s losing streak: 17 matches
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect Pakistan’s chances of advancing in the tournament?
With five group‑stage matches remaining, Pakistan must win all of them and rely on a net‑run‑rate boost to stay in contention. The current streak makes qualification unlikely, but a historic comeback could still keep hopes alive if other results go their way.
What milestones did Laura Wolvaardt achieve in this game?
Wolvaardt played her 200th international match, a rare achievement in women’s cricket. Although she was dismissed for 35, the landmark underscores her longevity and importance to South Africa’s batting line‑up.
Why was Nashra Sandhu’s performance considered historic?
Sandhu’s 6 for 26 is the second‑best bowling figure ever recorded by a Pakistani woman in ODI history, and it came in a high‑pressure World Cup match, highlighting her emergence as a genuine match‑winner.
What does the ICC say about the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket?
The ICC noted that the tournament has produced six matches decided by fewer than ten runs, reflecting tighter contests and the need for all boards to invest equally in women’s development programs.
When is Pakistan’s next World Cup match and who are they playing?
Pakistan’s next fixture is against host nation New Zealand on October 12, 2025, at Bay Oval. The match will be a crucial test of whether the team can bounce back from the longest losing streak in the tournament’s history.