SA-W vs PAK-W Today's Match Prediction, 1st ODI — Who will win today’s match?
Who will win today’s match between South Africa Women and Pakistan Women, 1st ODI? (Source: X/@ProteasWomenCSA)
Published - 21 Feb 2026, 11:22 AM• Read time - 12 mins
Match Preview
South Africa Women and Pakistan Women lock horns in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday, February 22.
Both the teams are heading into this series after fighting it out in the T20Is recently. South Africa wrapped up the three-match series in the second match itself, but Pakistan came back to register a consolation win in the last match. Notably, the visitors played a warm-up game against South Africa Emerging Women ahead of the first ODI which went down to the wire.
Pakistan posted an imposing 307 batting first thanks to Ayesha Zafar's 95 and Sidra Amin's 50. The hosts responded strongly, led by Faye Tunnicliffe's quickfire 109 and Anneke Bosch's 74*. But, Pakistan kept chipping at the batting line-up and the match went down to the 10th wicket partnership which saw their team home in a dramatic finish.
As far as South Africa are concerned, they played a three-match ODI series against Ireland at home in December, 2025 and came out trumps with a 3-0 margin. But, this will be a bigger challenge, importantly compounded by the absence of Marizanne Kapp who is said to be ill after experiencing discomfort in the third T20I in Benoni. Meanwhile, Fay Cowling, an 18-year-old all-rounder, will look to fill the large gap left by Kapp.
The ODI series is expected to be a competitive one as the gulf between the teams has narrowed down gradually over the years. Despite being in non spin-friendly conditions, Pakistan are anticipated to throw the gauntlet at the South Africans.
Match Info
| Date | Fixture | Match | Venue | Start time (Local time) |
| Sunday, February 22 | South Africa Women vs Pakistan Women | 1st ODI | Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein | 10 AM |
Venue Statistics (T20Is)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 35 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 15 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 18 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 248 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 205 |
| Highest Total Recorded |
399/9 (50) ENG vs SA
|
| Lowest Total Recorded |
78/10 (24) ZIM vs SA
|
| Highest Score Chased |
347/5 (49.1) SA vs ENG
|
| Lowest Score Defended |
203/6 (50) AUS vs SA
|
Mangaung Oval Pitch Report and Playing Conditions:
| Aspect | Batters | Pacers | Spinners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Assistance | Moderate | High | Low |
| Bounce | Good | Satisfactory | Consistent, Substantial |
| Movement | Moderate to high | Substantial swing | Minimal |
| Best Phase | After first powerplay | First powerplay | Middle and death overs |
SA-W vs PAK-W Head-to-head record (ODIs)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 32 |
| South Africa Women Wins | 24 |
| Pakistan Women Wins | 06 |
| Tied | 01 |
SA-W vs PAK-W Playing XI Prediction
South Africa Women
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Karabo Meso, Sune Luus, Faye Tunnicliffe, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (WK), Nadine de Klerk, Tumi Sekhukhune, Ayanda Hlubi, Nonkululeko Mlaba,
Pakistan Women
Muneeba Ali (WK), Sidra Amin, Ayesha Zafar, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Gull Feroza, Fatima Sana (C), Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Tasmia Rubab
SA-W vs PAK-W: Players to watch out for
Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W):
Wolvaardt is in a rich vein of form. The South African captain was the second-highest scorer in the just concluded T20I series with 112 runs from three innings. The right-hander is a reliable opening batter who has 807 runs to her name in the last 10 ODIs and the 26-year-old is expected to lead by example in this series as well.
Sadia Iqbal (PAK-W):
The left-arm spinner was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the T20I series with five scalps from three innings. Notably, the 30-year-old was economical too giving away 5.81 runs per over only on decks which were more pace friendly. The experience of Iqbal will come in handy irrespective of what the nature of the wicket will be as the bowler is in form.
Today's Match Prediction: South Africa Women to win.
