Sidra Amin Sets New ODI Milestone in Stunning Win Over South Africa

Pakistan opener Sidra Amin carved her name into cricketing history with a string of commanding performances that defined Pakistan Women’s ODI series against South Africa. While the visitors ultimately claimed the three-match series 2-1, Sidra’s brilliance with the bat stood out as one of the biggest positives for the hosts.

A Historic Start to the Series

The action began at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where Sidra delivered a masterclass in control and temperament. Coming in early, she scored an unbeaten 121 off 150 balls, peppered with 12 crisp boundaries. Her innings was the backbone of Pakistan’s total of 255/4 and marked her fifth ODI century, a milestone achieved by only a select few in the nation’s history.

Although her knock brought Pakistan within striking distance, it wasn’t enough on the day. South Africa chased down the target with confidence, thanks to Marizanne Kapp’s match-winning century, which also earned her the Player of the Match award.

Record-Breaking Partnerships and Continued Dominance

Sidra’s innings was not only significant for her personal record but also for the team’s history. Her 147-run partnership with Muneeba Ali became the highest-ever second-wicket stand for Pakistan Women in ODIs, setting a new national benchmark.

Building on her form, Sidra went one step further in the second ODI, smashing 122 runs off just 110 deliveries. With this effort, she became the first Pakistani woman to register back-to-back ODI centuries, firmly etching her name among the all-time greats of the women’s game in Pakistan. Her stroke play, composure, and ability to anchor long innings highlighted her growing stature as a world-class top-order batter.

A Consolation Win to End the Series

Despite her heroics, South Africa had already wrapped up the series with consecutive wins. However, Pakistan salvaged pride in the third and final ODI, securing a morale-boosting victory. This time, it was spinner Nashra Sandhu who stole the limelight with a career-best 6/26, dismantling South Africa for just 115 runs.

Sidra Amin remained central to the chase, scoring an unbeaten 50 off 94 balls and stitching a 65-run stand with Muneeba Ali to guide Pakistan to a comfortable win. This performance not only sealed a face-saving result but also boosted the team’s confidence ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

The Impact and Legacy

Across the series, Sidra’s consistency became the defining storyline. She not only crossed the landmark of 2,000 ODI runs, joining an elite group of Pakistani women, but also reinforced her place alongside legends like Javeria Khan and Bismah Maroof.

Her performances lit up social media, with hashtags like #SidraAmin, #PAKWvSAW, and #WomenInGreen trending nationwide. Commentators and fans alike hailed the series as a “defining moment in Pakistan women’s ODI cricket,” underlining Sidra’s role as a torchbearer for the team’s future ambitions.

As Pakistan looks ahead to the global stage, Sidra Amin’s form and leadership with the bat may prove to be the spark the team needs to challenge the best in the world.