Nadine de Klerk starred with the ball as the Proteas claimed a six-wicket victory in the second women’s ODI against Pakistan in Karachi on Monday to take an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

The all-rounder took a career-best 4-32, and Masabata Klaas 3-14, as Pakistan were bowled out for 168 in 44.2 overs.

The visitors needed just 34 overs to reach their target and claim a further two points on the ICC Women’s Championship table.

South Africa lost the toss and were asked to bowl first, a decision the hosts would regret as the Proteas seamers hit their line and lengths from ball one.

After opening bowlers Marizanne Kapp (0-33) and Ayabonga Khaka (2-21) had built up the pressure, De Klerk removed Muneeba Ali (four) and Sadaf Shamas (nought) with her first two balls, before skittling out Sidra Ameen (12) with the first ball of her second over.

Things went from bad to worse for Pakistan, as the experienced pair of Bismah Maroof (four) and Nida Dar (five), as well as Sidra Nawaz (7), fell off the bowling of Khaka and Klaas to leave the home side reeling on 49-6 in the 18th over.

Aliya Riaz (53 off 83 balls) and Fatima Sana (69 off 87) rebuilt the innings, before Proteas spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba (1-45) broke the partnership in the 43rd over.

Pakistan’s final three wickets were picked up in quick succession by Klaas and De Klerk.

HIGHLIGHTS: Pakistan vs Proteas (2nd Women’s ODI)

South Africa made another positive start to their run chase as openers Laura Wolvaardt (15) and Tazmin Brits (45) raced to 40-0 in the seventh over before Wolvaardt lost her wicket to Sadia Iqbal (2-32).

Brits and Lara Goodall (36) continued the Proteas’ dominance at the crease, putting on 40 runs for the second wicket before Brits fell to Nidar Dar (1-25).

Umm-e-Hani (1-32) and Iqbal kept the fight going for the hosts as they removed Goodall and Suné Luus (10) to leave the Proteas on 115-4.

But Marizanne Kapp (29*) and De Klerk (24*) made light work of the remaining runs as the pair combined for a 50-run, fifth-wicket partnership.

The Proteas are now fifth on the ICC Women’s Championships standings, with five wins out of five, en route to the 2025 Women’s World Cup.

The third and final ODI gets underway on Thursday from 12:30pm (SA time) in Karachi.