Pakistan beat Ireland at the North-West University No 1 Ground by an impressive seven-wicket margin. Asked to bat first, Ireland were bowled out for a paltry 116 thanks to tight spells by medium-pacer Asmavia Iqbal (3-17) and left-arm spinner Kanwal Naz (3-18). Pakistan chased down the target in 32.4 overs thanks to an unbeaten 85-ball 50 by Nain Abidi. Pakistan pocketed two points for the win.

In the other game of the day, Stafanie Taylor slammed a 141-ball 147 to help her side record a 148-run win over Netherlands on the opening day of the ICC Women's Cricket Challenge in Potchefstroom.

At the Witrand Cricket Club, Taylor led the charge with what turned out to be the highest individual score by a West Indies player in One-Day Internationals.

Taylor's 147 (15x4, 1x6) was aided by Deandra Dottin's brisk 59 (58b: 6x4, 2x6) which helped West Indies post 283 for six in their 50 overs after being asked to bat first. Netherlands chase never really took off as they batted out their full quota of overs and could make only 135 for eight.

“I feel really good knowing that I have been working so hard and the hard work has been paying off. I went to the crease today with a clear mind and with clear intentions. My aim was to get a good score and put the team in a winning position. The pitch this morning was slow so I had to be patient in the early stages of my innings. The pitch also offered assistance to the bowlers, and I had to make the adjustment,” said Taylor.

“Overall I would say I'm very happy with my knock. It feels good to set a new landmark in West Indies cricket (most ODI centuries). Hopefully I can continue to do better and better things for West Indie cricket in this series and in years to come.”

South Africa captain Cri-Zelda Brits led from the front at the North-West Unviersity No 2 Ground as she starred in her side's thumping 153-run win over Sri Lanka. Brits made a 108-ball 78 with six boundaries as South Africa posted 223 for eight in their full quota of 50 overs after opting to bat first. In reply, Sri Lanka were spun out by leg-spinner Dane van Niekerk (4-13) and off-spinner Sunette Loubser (4-11) for 75 to hand the hosts two points.