In an intense showdown at Karachi’s National Stadium, Pakistan Women secured a thrilling win over South Africa Women in the 2nd T20I this past Sunday.
The match witnessed excellent performances from both teams, ending in Pakistan securing a seven-wicket victory and clinching the series with just one game remaining.
Winning the toss and deciding to bowl first, Pakistan exhibited an outstanding fielding performance, limiting the Proteas to a total of 150/3 in their allotted 20 overs. Tazmin Brits led the charge for the visitors with 46 runs off 48 deliveries, including a six. Laura Wolvaardt played a key role, notching up 41 runs off 34 balls, with six boundaries. Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk both made substantial contributions to take South Africa’s total above the 150-run barrier.
Pakistan Women’s bowling squad earned accolades, with Sadia Iqbal being the best performer, capturing one wicket for 22 runs in her four overs. Nashra Sandhu also made her presence felt, grabbing one wicket for 24 runs in her four overs.
The response from Pakistan brought the match to the wire, as they successfully chased down the mark with just five balls to spare, finishing at 156/3 in 19.1 overs. Sidra Ameen emerged as the hero of the innings, crafting a key 61-run effort from 44 deliveries, which featured 6 fours and a six. Aliya Riaz’s powerful batting also played a key role in Pakistan’s success, as she provided 31 runs off 18 balls, comprising two fours and two sixes.
South Africa’s bowlers faced a hard challenge in protecting their total. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the most successful among them, grabbing two wickets for 20 runs in her three overs. Ameen’s superb batting effort earned her the Player of the Match title.
“Definitely, I would love to thank Allah. After a long we have managed to win a series against South Africa. We have the belief in us and if have that belief, then we can chase it down like we did today. I would credit my girls. Their intent is very attacking. I love the way our combination is setting up,” Pakistan women’s team captain Nida Dar said in the post-match presentation.
