South Africa were strangled by spin! They had the series in the bag already and hence, decided to give their fringe players a go today — making five changes to their first XI. The result leaves them with a few questions to ponder over. After all, they know that they could encounter such spinning tracks in the upcoming World Cup too. Remember, they will have two warm-up matches in Colombo before heading into the main tournament. One of them will be against Pakistan and the other against Bangladesh. Pakistan will play their other warm-up match against Sri Lanka. With that it is time for us to wrap up our coverage. We hope that you enjoyed it as much as we did bringing it to you. Goodbye from Darpan Tikiya, Saptak Sanyal and Bishal Mandal! Keep following CREX for more cricketing action from around the world.
8:34 PM IST, 8:04 PM local time: Laura Wolvaardt collects the trophy and gathers her mates to pose with the photograph behind the banner that reads "WINNERS". The support staff joins them and it is smiles all around. Though, palpable under those wide grins is the disappointment of today's result too.
Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa Women Captain):"Overall I think this was a good series. Wonderful preparation ahead of the World Cup. Today things didn't go in our way.
Yes a very different pitch today. I wish we batted well in the middle over phase. Anything close to 180 would've been a close game. It is good for us to prepare for the World Cup and the girls are in a good place before the big tournament."
Fatima Sana (Pakistan captain): "Our players did well. The spinners, especially Sandhu bowled really well. This win will boost our confidence and we will do well in the World Cup. Every team needs improvement. But we are ready with our best XI (for the World Cup)."
Tazmin Brits (Player of the Series):"No no I can do wrong. Everyone can make mistake but then, it is a good series for me.
I think it is good for us to prepare in these kind of wickets. A lot of spin was there in the wicket and it is something we can expect in the World Cup games coming forward."
Player of the Series: Tazmin Brits
Nashra Sandhu (Player of the Match):"Yes the preparation has been good. Hope we carry it forward to the world cup. I hope I perform well in Sri Lanka."
Player of the Match: Nashra Sandhu
The match officials are collecting their mementos now.