Nashra Sandhu’s Historic 6/26 Leads Pakistan to Victory

In a match that will be etched in the history of Pakistan Women’s Cricket, Nashra Sandhu produced a career-best bowling performance of 6/26 against South Africa in the third ODI of the series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. This extraordinary spell not only left South Africa reeling but also helped cement Sandhu’s place among the finest bowlers in Pakistan's cricketing history. Her performance proved to be a game-changer, setting up Pakistan for a comfortable victory and a commanding position in the three-match series.

Pakistan’s comprehensive win, combined with Nashra’s remarkable 6-wicket haul, makes this day a historic milestone for Pakistan women’s cricket, marking a major achievement in the long and often challenging journey of women’s sports in the country.

Bowling That Changed the Game: Nashra Sandhu’s 6/26

In her 75th ODI, Nashra Sandhu unleashed a spell of pure brilliance, destroying South Africa’s top order and reducing them to 115 runs in just 25.5 overs. What made her performance stand out was her ability to extract bounce and spin from a surface that had been relatively flat, showcasing her accuracy, flight, and variations.

Her 6/26 was not only a match-winning performance but also a landmark achievement, making it the second-best bowling performance in Pakistan Women’s ODI history, just behind Sajida Shah’s record 7/4 against Japan in 2003.

Nashra’s remarkable spell dismantled South Africa’s strong batting lineup, forcing the opposition to crumble under pressure. She took key wickets at crucial moments, including Masabata Klaas and Nadine de Klerk, whose brief resistance couldn’t hold off her onslaught.

Her bowling accuracy and discipline ensured that South Africa’s batters could neither get set nor build partnerships. Nashra’s control, combined with the pressure from Pakistan’s other bowlers, created a perfect storm that left South Africa with little room to recover.

Pakistan Women’s Best Bowling Figures in ODIs

Nashra Sandhu’s spell of 6/26 has now etched her name into the annals of Pakistan women’s cricket history:

• Sajida Shah – 7/4 vs Japan (2003)

• Nashra Sandhu – 6/26 vs South Africa (2025)

• Sana Mir – 5/32 vs Netherlands (2010)

With her historic 6-wicket haul, Nashra has surpassed the legendary Sana Mir’s 5/32, a record that stood as one of the finest performances by a Pakistani women’s bowler in ODIs. This remarkable feat places Nashra alongside Pakistan’s all-time greats and further cements her status as one of the top bowlers in the women’s game.

Nashra Sandhu Enters the Elite 100-Wicket Club

Another major achievement in this match was Nashra Sandhu’s induction into the elite 100-wicket club in women’s ODIs. By taking her 104th wicket, Sandhu became only the third Pakistani bowler to achieve this landmark, joining the ranks of Sana Mir and Nida Dar.

Top Wicket-Takers for Pakistan in WODIs:

• Sana Mir – 151 wickets in 120 matches

• Nida Dar – 108 wickets in 112 matches

• Nashra Sandhu – 104 wickets in 74 matches

This milestone places Nashra among the greats of Pakistan’s cricket history, demonstrating her consistency and longevity in the game. Her achievement highlights her significant contributions to the team, both in terms of match-winning performances and sustained impact over the years.

South Africa’s Struggles Against Pakistan’s Spin Attack

South Africa, renowned for their power-hitting and depth in the batting lineup, faced a major challenge against Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack. Known for their aggressive stroke play, the South African batters found it difficult to counter Nashra’s variations and flight.

• Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa's captain, was the top scorer with 28, but she lacked support from the other batters.

• Masabata Klaas and Nadine de Klerk added 13 runs each, but the rest of the team faltered in the face of Pakistan’s relentless pressure.

Nashra’s ability to spin the ball and land it in the right areas, combined with Pakistan’s disciplined fielding, resulted in South Africa’s collapse. The rest of the batting order could not cope with the mounting pressure, with five players failing to reach double figures.

Match Situation: Pakistan in a Dominant Position

After Sandhu’s stunning performance, Pakistan had set South Africa a modest target of 116 runs. The South African total of 115 runs in 25.5 overs was not enough to mount a challenge, and the target seemed within reach for Pakistan’s batters. The modest target provided an opportunity for Pakistan’s top order to comfortably chase down the runs.

This comprehensive win also gave Pakistan a crucial lead in the series, placing them in a dominant position ahead of the final ODI. Pakistan’s bowlers had done all the heavy lifting, and the team was now looking to complete the victory with the bat.

The Road Ahead for Pakistan Women’s Cricket

With Nashra Sandhu’s monumental performance leading the charge, Pakistan is now firmly in control of the series. The victory gives Pakistan a 2-1 lead in the three-match series, with one match to go.

This match has not only solidified Nashra Sandhu’s place in Pakistan’s cricketing history but also shown the world that Pakistan’s women’s team is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.

 Pakistan’s Women’s Cricket History

Nashra Sandhu’s 6/26 is more than just a record-breaking performance; it is a historic moment for Pakistan women’s cricket. Her entry into the 100-wicket club and her exceptional bowling performance against South Africa showcase the talent and strength of Pakistan’s women cricketers.

As Pakistan takes control of the ODI series, Nashra’s achievement will serve as an inspiration for young cricketers across the country. Her legacy, combined with the continued growth of women’s cricket in Pakistan, sets the stage for even greater successes in the future.