Fritz, van Niekerk set up South Africa win

Shandre Fritz's unbeaten 43 guided South Africa Women to a three-wicket win over Pakistan Women in Doha. The result however, does not affect Pakistan, who will play South Africa again in the final on Friday.

Fritz's 87-ball innings anchored the side as they stumbled towards the 102-run target. She came in to bat in the 10th over when South Africa were struggling at 32 for 3. She struck five fours during her stay, ensuring South Africa achieved the target in the 42nd over, even though none of the other batters in the side scored more than 13.

Earlier, legspinner Dane van Niekerk's second ODI five-for restricted Pakistan to 101. Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat, but were set back by the loss of regular wickets. They were struggling at 32 for 3 in the 15th over before a 42-run stand between their captain Sana Mir and Bismah Maroof helped the side limp to a better position. Van Niekerk dismissed Mir and Maroof in successive overs to trigger a late-order collapse which saw Pakistan fold in the 45th over.

Mignon du Preez, the South Africa captain, said that the team had shown great character in pulling through and winning the game.

"It is always tough playing against Pakistan," du Preez said. "There's a fair amount of competitiveness between our sides and it was great to be able to pull off that win today. The team showed great character and dog fight during the tough patches and that is the kind of commitment that will win us big matches in the near future. With every win, it is important to look at what we could have done better and there are a few areas where we know we need to improve on if we want to beat them (Pakistan) in the final on Friday."