A Historic Day for Pakistan’s Left-Arm Maestro
In the third and final ODI against South Africa in Lahore, Nashra Sandhu etched her name into cricketing history with a mesmerizing display of spin bowling. The slow left-armer delivered a career-defining performance, taking 6 wickets for just 26 runs in 9 overs—an effort that dazzled the home crowd and dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup.
South Africa Struggles Against Spin
Opting to bat first, South Africa never quite found their footing. The pitch offered significant turn and grip, ideal for spin, and Nashra exploited it with intelligence and control. Her delivery lengths, subtle variations, and flight created continuous problems for the visiting side.
South Africa was bundled out for just 115 runs in 25.5 overs, with Nashra at the heart of the collapse. Her victims included key batters such as:
- Sune Luus (25)
- Miane Smit (7)
- Anneke Bosch (8)
- Sinalo Jafta (13)
- Chloe Tryon (0)
- Nadine de Klerk (10)
Pakistan Cruises to a Consolation Win
Chasing a modest target, Pakistan capitalized on Nashra’s bowling heroics with a composed batting performance. Sidra Amin anchored the innings with an unbeaten 50, while Muneeba Ali added a lively 44. The chase was completed in 31 overs with six wickets in hand, delivering Pakistan a much-needed victory—though the series went to South Africa 2-1.
A Performance for the Ages
While the win may have only offered consolation in terms of the series outcome, for Nashra Sandhu, it was a breakthrough moment. Her spell not only marked her career-best figures in ODIs, but also saw her claim her 100th ODI wicket—a milestone achievement in her international career.
Best Bowling Figures by Asian Left-Arm Spinners in Women’s ODIs
Nashra’s brilliance places her among an elite group of left-arm spinners in Asian women’s cricket. Here’s how her performance compares to the best:
- Nashra Sandhu (Pakistan): 9-2-26-6 vs South Africa, Lahore, 2025
- Ekta Bisht (India): 10-7-8-5 vs Pakistan, Colombo, 2017
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad (India): 7.3-1-15-5 vs New Zealand, Derby, 2017
- Ekta Bisht (India): 10-2-18-5 vs Pakistan, Derby, 2017
- Neetu David (India): 9.4-3-20-5 vs West Indies, Jamshedpur, 2004
- Nahida Akter (Bangladesh): 10-4-21-5 vs Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, 2021
- Sachini Nisansala (Sri Lanka): 5.5-1-28-5 vs West Indies, Hambantota, 2024
- Neetu David (India): 10-3-32-5 vs New Zealand, Pretoria, 2005
- Sadia Yousuf (Pakistan): 9-1-35-5 vs Ireland, Dublin, 2013
- Anam Amin (Pakistan): 10-2-35-5 vs West Indies, Karachi, 2021
Who is Nashra Sandhu?
Born on November 19, 1997, in Lahore, Nashra Sandhu is a left-arm orthodox spinner and a dependable figure in Pakistan’s bowling lineup. She made her ODI debut in 2017 against South Africa during the Women’s World Cup Qualifier. Since then, she has consistently contributed with the ball, developing into one of Pakistan’s key spin options in the limited-overs format.
Career Milestones
- ODI Debut: February 2017 vs South Africa
- Specialty: Slow left-arm orthodox spin
- Batting Style: Right-hand bat
- ODI Wickets: 100+ as of September 2025
- Career-Best Figures: 6/26 vs South Africa, Lahore, 2025
What’s Next for Nashra Sandhu?
With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 set to begin on 30 September, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Nashra Sandhu steps into the tournament with momentum on her side. Pakistan will play all their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka, potentially benefiting from conditions that favor spin bowling.
The road ahead will test not just Nashra’s skills, but also her ability to deliver under pressure. If her recent form is any indication, she’s more than ready for the global stage.
