Pakistan claimed a consolation eight-wicket win in the third women’s ODI against the Proteas in Karachi on Thursday.

The visitors won the series 2-1, having lost the T20I series 3-0.

Player of the Series Nadine de Klerk scored 60 off 95 balls as South Africa posted 185 all out, before Sidra Ameen (68 off 82 deliveries) and Bismah Maroof (60* off 98) helped Pakistan chase down the target with 12 overs to spare.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Proteas began on the back foot as captain Laura Wolvaardt was clean bowled for a duck.

Tazmin Brits (32) and Lara Goodall (13) took the total to 35, before the latter suffered a blow to the shoulder at the non-striker’s end and went off for an extensive medical check-up.

While Goodall was off the field, Brits was dismissed by Diana Baig, who executed a smart caught and bowled. Soon after, Suné Luus (10) became the first of Nida Dar’s two wickets to leave the Proteas on 63-3 in the 16th over.

The returning Goodall didn’t last long either after being medically cleared, as Nashra Sandhu claimed the wicket of the left-hander the very next over.

Marizanne Kapp (21) and De Klerk combined well for a 36-run stand before Kapp became Sadia Iqbal’s second victim to leave the visitors 100-5 in the 28th over.

Although De Klerk and Delmi Tucker (25) added 37 runs for the sixth wicket, the Pakistani bowlers struck another three blows to the South African innings in quick fashion as Tucker, Sinalo Jafta (six) and Nondumiso Shangase (nought) were sent back to the change room with the Proteas left on 145-8.

Despite losing partners around her, De Klerk went on to reach her maiden ODI half-century in partnerships with Ayabonga Khaka (eight) and Masabata Klaas (five not out) before the South African innings was wrapped up after 48.1 overs.

Iqbal was Pakistan’s best bowler, with 2-26 in her 10 overs.

HIGHLIGHTS: Pakistan vs Proteas (3rd Women’s ODI)

In reply, Pakistan openers Sadaf Shamas (13) and Ameen took a controlled approach to the chase before Khaka made the breakthrough to remove Shamas in the 10th over.

That wicket did little to slow things down for Pakistan, as Ameen and former captain Maroof united for a match-winning, 110-run stand for the second wicket to take the game away from South Africa, with both batters raising their willow for well-deserved fifties.