The Momentum Proteas women sealed a tough, four-wicket victory against Pakistan to win the Qatar International Women’s Cricket Challenge triangular series in Doha on Friday. Sunette Loubser produced a notable, all-round performance with both bat and ball to lead her side to a well-fought win.
(Scroll down to see fixtures and results, and squad selection, click here to view the match scorecard on ESPNCricinfo.com, click here to read the tour preview on gsport)
Pakistan were restricted to just 94 runs in 46.3 overs after they were asked to bat first by South Africa. Javeria Khan top scored with 30 runs off 60 balls, while the rest of her teammates were confined to 14 and less by an impressive bowling attack led by Shabnim Ismail (3/25).
Moseline Daniels (2/13) and Loubser (2/19) provided her with good support, while Marizanne Kapp and Dané van Niekerk kept things tight and took a wicket each for their efforts.
Marcia Letsoalo did not pick up any wickets, but she bowled an impressive five-over spell that conceded just 10 runs including a maiden.
“I was very happy with our bowling effort today,” Loubser said. “We wanted to be clinical and with the exception of a few bad balls, we achieved our goal.
“The bowlers have really gelled well on this tour and we’ve learned a lot from our mistakes in previous matches. The key is more game time so we can iron out the creases even better before we reach the T20 World Cup in March, which is now just a few weeks away,” she finished.
South Africa once again lost two quick wickets up front when they batted. Lizelle Lee was the first to depart when she was trapped leg before for four off Asmavia Iqbal, just three balls into their innings.
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The captain, Mignon du Preez, also fell to a similar delivery off Sana Mir at the start of the fourth. Trisha Chetty (13) and Marizanne Kapp (15) were on their way to building a good partnership when Sumaiya Siddiqi (2/14) struck twice in the 21st over, dismissing them both.
Sunette Loubser (25*) and Shandré Fritz (19) initiated the revival of the innings with their 31-run, fifth-wicket stand. Loubser also led the 24-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Chloe Tryon (7), who lost her wicket with just two runs needed to win.
Du Preez was delighted with her side’s performance and believes that it bodes well for the T20 segment of the triangular series starting on Sunday, 19 January.
This is her third series victory in the sub-continent as captain. She previously led her side to victory against Bangladesh at home in an ODI and T20 series in October 2012. “I’m very happy and proud of the team today,” she exclaimed. “It’s a huge accomplishment winning a series on the sub-continent and I have to commend the girls for their hard work and commitment to our cause.
“We are making winning a habit in our side and we hope to bring the confidence gained this week into the T20 series starting Sunday.”
The team will now switch gears and prepare for the opening match of the T20 triangular series, once again against Pakistan.
Tour Results for the Qatar International ODI Cricket Challenge: 10 January: Pakistan 183/9 (50); Ireland Women 73 (31); Pakistan won by 110 runs 11 January: South Africa v Ireland (Match abandoned without a ball bowled) 12 January: South Africa 125/8 (50); Pakistan 126/6 (49.1); Pakistan won by 4 wickets 13 January: Ireland 92 (48.3); Pakistan 93/3 (26); Pakistan won by 7 wickets 14 January: Ireland 53 (35.3); South Africa 54/2 (13.5); South Africa won by 8 wickets 15 January: Pakistan 101 (44.4); South Africa 105/7 (41.3); South Africa won by 3 wickets 17 January: Pakistan Women 94 (46.3); South Africa 95/6 (43.3); South Africa won by 4 wickets Tour Fixtures for the Qatar International T20 Cricket Challenge: 19 January: Pakistan v South Africa (T20) (Afternoon Match) (Doha Stadium) 19 January: Ireland v Pakistan (T20) (Evening Match) (D/N) (Doha Stadium) 20 January: South Africa v Ireland (T20) (Afternoon Match) (Doha Stadium) 20 January: Pakistan v Ireland (T20) (Evening Match) (D/N) (Doha Stadium) 22 January: South Africa v Ireland (T20) (Afternoon Match) (Doha Stadium) 22 January: South Africa v Pakistan (T20) (Evening Match) (D/N) (Doha Stadium) 24 January: T20 Series Final (D/N) (Doha Stadium) Momentum Proteas Women’s team for the Inaugural Qatar International Cricket Challenge: Mignon du Preez (capt, Northerns) Trisha Chetty (vice capt, KZN) Moseline Daniels (Western Province) Shandré Fritz (Western Province) Shabnim Ismail (Western Province) Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province) Lizelle Lee (North West) Marcia Letsoalo (Northerns) Sunette Loubser (Boland) Suné Luus (Northerns) Nadine Moodley (KZN) Yolandi Potgieter (Boland) Chloe Tryon (KZN) Dané van Niekerk (Eastern Province) Team management: Hilton Moreeng (Head Coach) Abram Ramoadi (Video Analyst) Charlie Gouveia (Biokinetisist & trainer) Karlien Human (Team Physio)
Main Photo Caption: The Momentum SA Women’s Cricket team celebrate after beating Pakistan by 4 wickets to clinch the inaugural Qatar International Women’s Cricket Challenge series, on Friday, 17 January, 2014. Photo: Charlie Gouveia on twitter
(With editing by gsport)[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
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