Pakistan's Nashra Sandhu Spins Into History: Claims Record ODI Haul Ahead of Women's World Cup

Nashra Sandhu etched her name in the history books just ahead of the Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from November 30. The Pakistan bowler became the first left-arm Asian spinner to claim a six-wicket haul in a Women’s ODI. She achieved the feat in the third and final ODI against South Africa on Monday, September 22, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Sandhu finished with remarkable figures of 9-2-26-6 as Pakistan bowled out the Proteas for 115 in 25.5 overs after being asked to bowl first. In doing so, she surpassed India’s Ekta Bisht, who previously held the record for the best figures by an Asian left-arm spinner in Women’s ODIs. Notably, Bisht’s record came against Pakistan during the 2017 World Cup Qualifier in Colombo.

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Best bowling figures by Asian left-arm spinners in Women’s ODIs

• Nashra Sandhu (Pakistan) 9-2-26-6 v South Africa Women, Lahore, 2025
• Ekta Bisht (India) 10-7-8-5 v Pakistan Women, Colombo (PSS), 2017
• Rajeshwari Gayakwad (India) 7.3-1-15-5 v New Zealand Women, Derby, 2017
• Ekta Bisht (India) 10-2-18-5 v Pakistan Women, Derby, 2017
• Neetu David (India) 9.4-3-20-5 v West Indies Women, Jamshedpur, 2004
• Nahida Akter (Bangladesh) 10-4-21-5 v Zimbabwe Women, Bulawayo, 2021
• Sachini Nisansala (Sri Lanka) 5.5-1-28-5 v West Indies Women, Hambantota, 2024
• Neetu David (India) 10-3-32-5 v New Zealand Women, Pretoria, 2005
• Sadia Yousuf (Pakistan) 9-1-35-5 v Ireland Women, Dublin, 2013
• Anam Amin (Pakistan) 10-2-35-5 v West Indies Women, Karachi, 2021
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Nashra Sandhu rattles South Africa

Sandhu delivered a masterclass in spin bowling, dismantling the opposition with precision and skill. She opened her spell by dismissing Sune Luus, caught by Diana Baig, and soon clean-bowled Miane Smit with a perfectly timed delivery.

Sinalo Jafta fell LBW, deceived by Sandhu’s subtle variations, while Anneke Bosch was caught by Sidra Amin off a cleverly flighted ball. Chloe Tryon was bowled by a well-pitched, quicker delivery, and Nadine de Klerk fell LBW as Sandhu exploited the slight turn on the pitch.

By expertly mixing flight and turn, Sandhu forced batters into false shots, showcasing tactical intelligence and flawless execution. Her control over line, length, and spin kept the opposition unsettled, decisively swinging the game in her team’s favour.