Table of Contents
The Pakistan Women’s National Cricket Team Vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline reflects the growth of an increasingly familiar rivalry in international women’s cricket. Their meetings have included bilateral ODI and T20I series, ICC tournaments, and several memorable individual performances. The teams first faced each other in women’s ODI cricket in 1997, while their T20I rivalry developed later.
Over the years, South Africa have generally held the stronger overall record, but Pakistan have produced important victories and competitive performances. The rivalry has become particularly active in recent years, with the teams meeting regularly in major tournaments and bilateral series. In 2025 and 2026, they played multiple ODIs and T20Is, adding several significant chapters to their history.
The latest chapter came during South Africa’s home series in February and March 2026, when the sides contested three T20Is followed by three ODIs. Pakistan won the third T20I, while South Africa took the T20I series 2-1 and the ODI series by the same margin.
This timeline explores the major stages of the rivalry, important matches, ICC tournament meetings, memorable performances, record-breaking contests, and the key moments that have shaped Pakistan and South Africa women’s cricket
Rivalry Overview
The Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women rivalry has developed considerably since their first international meeting in 1997. What began mainly as occasional ODI encounters has grown into a regular multi-format contest featuring bilateral series, ICC Women’s World Cup matches and closely fought T20Is.
South Africa have generally held the advantage, particularly in ODIs. However, Pakistan have produced several important victories, including the historic 3-0 T20I series whitewash in Karachi in 2023. The rivalry has also featured a tied ODI in 2019, a six-run World Cup thriller in 2022, Nashra Sandhu’s outstanding 6/26 in 2025 and several high-scoring matches in 2026.
Recent meetings have made the rivalry more competitive. During the 2025-26 season, the teams met six times, with South Africa winning both series 2-1. Pakistan, however, finished both series with emphatic victories in the final match.
Timeline of Major Matches
| Year | Format | Venue | Major Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | ODI | Vadodara | South Africa won by 149 runs |
| 2019 | ODI | Benoni | Match tied |
| 2019 | T20I | South Africa | South Africa won series 3-2 |
| 2021 | ODI | South Africa | South Africa won series 3-0 |
| 2022 | ODI | Mount Maunganui | South Africa won by 6 runs |
| 2023 | T20I | Karachi | Pakistan won series 3-0 |
| 2023 | ODI | Karachi | South Africa won series 2-1 |
| 2024 | T20I | Pakistan | South Africa won series 2-1 |
| 2025 | ODI | Lahore | South Africa won series 2-1 |
| 2025 | World Cup | Colombo | South Africa won by 150 runs |
| 2026 | T20I | South Africa | South Africa won series 2-1 |
| 2026 | ODI | South Africa | South Africa won series 2-1 |
The rivalry has therefore moved through several distinct phases. The early years were dominated by infrequent ODI meetings, while the modern era has featured much more regular bilateral cricket.
Historic Test Matches
There have been no women’s Test matches between Pakistan and South Africa in the rivalry to date.
Their meetings have primarily been played in the ODI and T20I formats. This is understandable given the limited number of women’s Test fixtures historically scheduled by both countries.
Consequently, there is no Pakistan vs South Africa women’s Test record, Test series history or Test-specific rivalry milestone to include.
Historic ODI Matches
| Venue/Event | Pakistan Score | South Africa Score | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Women’s World Cup | 85 | 234 | South Africa won by 149 runs |
| 2017 | Women’s World Cup | 206/8 | 207/7 | South Africa won by 3 wickets |
| 2019 | Benoni | 265/9 | 265/6 | Match tied |
| 2022 | Women’s World Cup | 217 | 223/9 | South Africa won by 6 runs |
| 2023 | Karachi | 186/2 | 185 | Pakistan won by 8 wickets |
| 2025 | Lahore | 116/4 | 115 | Pakistan won by 6 wickets |
| 2026 | Centurion | 345 | 361/8 | South Africa won by 16 runs |
ODI cricket has traditionally been the main format of this rivalry.
The first meeting came at the 1997 Women’s World Cup, while the teams later became more regular opponents through the ICC Women’s Championship and World Cup competitions. Pakistan’s ODI record has remained behind South Africa’s, but several matches have been extremely competitive.
2019 ODI Series and the Famous Tie
The 2019 tour of South Africa produced one of the most memorable moments in the rivalry.
Pakistan won the first ODI by eight wickets after South Africa were dismissed for just 63. South Africa responded by winning the second match by eight wickets.
The third ODI at Benoni ended in a dramatic tie. Both teams finished on 265, creating one of the rare tied matches in women’s international cricket. Aliya Riaz was named Player of the Match.
The series ultimately finished 1-1 with one tied match.
2022 Women’s World Cup Thriller
The 2022 Women’s World Cup produced another classic encounter.
South Africa scored 223/9 at Bay Oval, with Laura Wolvaardt making 75. Pakistan fought hard in the chase and reached 217 before being bowled out.
South Africa therefore escaped with a six-run victory. Shabnim Ismail was named Player of the Match after taking 3/41.
The six-run margin made the contest one of Pakistan’s closest World Cup defeats against South Africa.
2023 Karachi ODI Series
South Africa’s first tour of Pakistan was an important milestone for the rivalry. The teams played three ODIs in Karachi as part of the ICC Women’s Championship.
South Africa won the opening match by 127 runs and the second by six wickets. Pakistan responded strongly in the final ODI, chasing 186 with eight wickets in hand.
The series finished 2-1 in South Africa’s favor.
2025 ODI Series in Lahore
South Africa returned to Pakistan for a three-match ODI series in September 2025.
South Africa won the first two matches to secure the series, but Pakistan produced an outstanding performance in the final game. Nashra Sandhu took 6/26 as Pakistan dismissed South Africa for 115 and completed a six-wicket victory.
The 6/26 was Sandhu’s career-best ODI bowling performance at the time and also helped her reach 100 ODI wickets.
Historic T20I Matches
| Year | Series | Result | Series Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | First T20I Series | South Africa dominated | South Africa |
| 2019 | 5-match T20I Series | South Africa won 3-2 | South Africa |
| 2021 | 3-match T20I Series | South Africa won series | South Africa |
| 2023 | 3-match T20I Series | Pakistan won 3-0 | Pakistan |
| 2024 | 3-match T20I Series | South Africa won 2-1 | South Africa |
| 2026 | 3-match T20I Series | South Africa won 2-1 | South Africa |
The T20I rivalry began in 2010 and has gradually become one of the more competitive parts of the Pakistan-South Africa matchup.
South Africa won the early contests, but Pakistan’s results improved significantly during the late 2010s and 2020s.
2019 T20I Series
The 2019 tour included five T20Is, making it one of the most extensive T20I series between the teams.
Pakistan won two matches while South Africa won three, giving the hosts a 3-2 series victory. Nida Dar was Pakistan’s leading run-scorer and was also named Player of the Series.
2021 T20I Series
Pakistan’s 2021 tour of South Africa included three T20Is. Pakistan won one match while South Africa took the series.
The series was part of a wider tour that also featured three ODIs. Pakistan’s only T20I victory came during a period when the side was beginning to compete more consistently against South Africa.
2023 Historic T20I Whitewash
The biggest T20I milestone for Pakistan came in September 2023.
Pakistan won all three T20Is in Karachi, defeating South Africa by five wickets, seven wickets and six runs respectively. The result gave Pakistan a historic 3-0 series whitewash.
The achievement was particularly significant because Pakistan became the first Asian team to complete a T20I series whitewash over South Africa Women.
2024 T20I Series
South Africa regained the upper hand in the next T20I series in Pakistan, winning 2-1.
The series demonstrated how quickly the balance could change between the teams. Pakistan had previously swept South Africa in 2023 but could not repeat that success in 2024.
2026 T20I Series
The latest T20I series took place in South Africa in February 2026.
South Africa won the opening two matches before Pakistan produced a strong response in the third. Pakistan scored 144/7 and dismissed South Africa for 91, winning by 53 runs.
The series therefore finished 2-1 to South Africa.
ICC Tournament Meetings
| Year | Tournament | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Women’s Cricket World Cup | Vadodara | South Africa won by 149 runs |
| 2017 | Women’s Cricket World Cup | Leicester | South Africa won by 3 wickets |
| 2022 | Women’s Cricket World Cup | Mount Maunganui | South Africa won by 6 runs |
| 2025 | Women’s Cricket World Cup | Colombo | South Africa won by 150 runs |
Pakistan and South Africa have met in major ICC women’s ODI tournaments, including the 1997 World Cup, 2017 World Cup, 2022 World Cup and 2025 World Cup.
One of the most memorable was the 2017 World Cup encounter at Leicester. Pakistan scored 206/8, with Nahida Khan making 79. South Africa chased the target with three wickets remaining, reaching 207/7 in 49 overs. Shabnim Ismail played a decisive role and was named Player of the Match.
The 2022 World Cup meeting was even tighter, with South Africa winning by only six runs.
At the 2025 Women’s World Cup in Colombo, South Africa again prevailed, winning by 150 runs under the DLS method. Laura Wolvaardt scored 90, while Marizanne Kapp made an unbeaten 68.
These tournament meetings demonstrate South Africa’s strong record against Pakistan when the pressure of global competition is highest.
Memorable Rivalry Moments
Several moments stand out in the history of this matchup.
The 1997 World Cup meeting: South Africa’s 149-run victory established the rivalry on the international stage.
The 2019 tied ODI: Pakistan and South Africa both finished on 265 at Benoni, creating one of the most dramatic results in their ODI history.
The 2022 World Cup six-run thriller: Pakistan came extremely close to defeating South Africa in a major tournament before being dismissed for 217.
Pakistan’s 2023 T20I whitewash: Pakistan won all three T20Is in Karachi, producing the most significant bilateral T20I series victory in the rivalry.
Nashra Sandhu’s 6/26: Her spell destroyed South Africa’s batting in Lahore in 2025 and gave Pakistan a memorable six-wicket victory.
The 2026 high-scoring ODI: South Africa made 361/8 at Centurion, while Pakistan responded with 345. South Africa eventually won by 16 runs, making it one of the highest-scoring matches between the sides.
Greatest Individual Performances
Greatest Individual Performances
| Player | Team | Performance | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Kuylaars | South Africa | 74* | 1997 ODI |
| Nahida Khan | Pakistan | 79 | 2017 World Cup |
| Sune Luus | South Africa | 80 | 2019 ODI |
| Laura Wolvaardt | South Africa | 75 | 2022 World Cup |
| Nashra Sandhu | Pakistan | 6/26 | 2025 ODI |
| Laura Wolvaardt | South Africa | 90 | 2025 World Cup |
Record-Breaking Matches
The rivalry has produced several notable statistical milestones.
| Record | Match |
| First meeting | 1997 World Cup |
| Largest early South Africa victory | South Africa won by 149 runs in 1997 |
| Famous tied ODI | Benoni, 2019 |
| Closest World Cup result | South Africa won by 6 runs in 2022 |
| Pakistan’s historic T20I series sweep | 3-0 in 2023 |
| Outstanding Pakistan bowling performance | Nashra Sandhu 6/26 in 2025 |
| Highest recent ODI total by South Africa | 361/8 in Centurion, 2026 |
| Highest recent Pakistan ODI total in the matchup | 345 in Centurion, 2026 |
The 2026 Centurion match was especially remarkable. South Africa scored 361/8 and Pakistan replied with 345 all out, leaving only 16 runs between the teams.
Final Thoughts
The Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women rivalry has evolved from a sporadic World Cup matchup into a regular multi-format contest. South Africa have maintained the stronger overall record, particularly in ODI cricket and major ICC tournaments, but Pakistan have repeatedly demonstrated that they can challenge the Proteas when their bowling and batting click together.
The 2019 tied ODI, 2022 World Cup thriller, 2023 T20I whitewash, Sandhu’s 6/26 in 2025 and the high-scoring 2026 ODI all form important chapters in the rivalry.
Recent results suggest that the gap is not static. South Africa continue to hold the advantage, but Pakistan have developed enough consistency to make future meetings increasingly difficult to predict.
FAQs
When did Pakistan Women first play South Africa Women?
Pakistan Women first played South Africa Women in an ODI at the 1997 Women’s World Cup in Vadodara, India. South Africa won the match by 149 runs.
When was the first Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women T20I?
The first T20I between the teams was played in October 2010 at Potchefstroom, where South Africa won by six wickets.
What was the most famous tied match between Pakistan Women and South Africa Women?
The third ODI at Benoni on May 12, 2019, ended with both teams scoring 265. Pakistan’s Aliya Riaz was named Player of the Match.
When did Pakistan Women beat South Africa Women 3-0?
Pakistan completed a historic 3-0 T20I whitewash in Karachi in September 2023.
What are the latest Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women results?
In the latest completed bilateral series in February-March 2026, South Africa won the T20I series 2-1 and the ODI series 2-1. Pakistan won the third T20I by 53 runs and the third ODI by 119 runs.
