Fatima Sana’s side delivers a powerful batting display, defeating 2023 finalists South Africa to level the three-match T20I series.
Pakistan’s women’s cricket team has sent a strong warning ahead of the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup with a dominant performance in Multan, posting their highest-ever total in Women’s T20Is. The convincing win against South Africa sets the stage for a series-deciding clash on Friday at the same venue.
Muneeba Ali Leads Strong Start After Early Setback
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan lost Gull Feroza (10) early. However, opener Muneeba Ali quickly took charge, guiding her team to 45/1 by the end of the Powerplay. She scored a solid 45 off 34 balls, establishing a strong platform for the hosts.
Muneeba’s 49-run partnership with Sidra Amin (28 off 25) set the stage for an aggressive final 10 overs. The middle order capitalized on the foundation laid by the openers, with Nida Dar and captain Fatima Sana adding a vital 60-run stand in just 38 balls.
Middle-Order Power Pushes Total to New Heights
Nida Dar, reaching 2000 T20I runs during her innings of 29 from 21 balls, combined with Fatima Sana, who scored a quickfire 37* off 23 balls at a strike rate over 160. Their partnership helped Pakistan raise the run rate to nearly nine an over. Aliya Riaz provided the finishing touch, smashing 14 runs off the last three balls to push Pakistan’s total to a formidable 182/5.
Pakistan Spinners Dominate South Africa’s Chase
Defending 182, Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by left-arm spinners Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal, was equally impressive. The duo claimed two wickets each, while combining to deliver 24 dot balls. Iqbal struck early, removing Tazmin Brits for 9, and Sundhu took the key wicket of Laura Wolvaardt, who had threatened with 36 off 25 balls.
The Proteas struggled under mounting scoreboard pressure, losing Anneke Bosch (24) and Nadine de Klerk (12) in quick succession, leaving them reeling at 88/4.
Late Resistance Not Enough for South Africa
South Africa’s Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon mounted a valiant fightback, adding 80 runs in the final seven overs. Despite their efforts, requiring 94 runs from 42 balls, Pakistan’s bowlers, including Diana Baig and Tasmia Rubab, held their nerve to secure the victory, sealing off South Africa’s chase.
The victory gives Pakistan a chance to claim the series on home soil in the final T20I in Multan.
About The Author
