In a rain-shortened encounter at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, South Africa Women secured a dominant 6-wicket victory over Pakistan Women on February 13, 2026. The win not only delighted the home crowd but also sealed a significant T20I series triumph for the Proteas. In a match reduced to 14 overs per side due to a wet outfield, South Africa’s clinical execution in both departments proved too much for the visitors, who struggled to adapt to the frantic pace of the truncated format.
The contest was defined by two standout performances: a masterclass in death bowling by Ayabonga Khaka and a composed, captain’s knock from Laura Wolvaardt. While Pakistan showed flashes of aggression, they lacked the consistency to challenge a South African side that looked world-class on their home turf.
Ayabonga Khaka dissects Pakistan’s batting lineup in the 2nd T20I
Pakistan’s innings never truly gained the momentum required for a 14-over sprint. After being put in to bat, the visitors lost Muneeba Ali early to the veteran Marizanne Kapp. While Ayesha Zafar provided a brief spark with a quick-fire 13, the innings began to unravel under the disciplined pressure applied by the South African attack. Masabata Klaas struck twice in quick succession to remove Gull Feroza and Eyman Fatima, leaving Pakistan wobbling at 24/3 within the powerplay.
The introduction of Khaka, however, turned a precarious situation into a dire one for Pakistan. Khaka, known for her impeccable length and subtle variations, was virtually unplayable. She finished with remarkable figures of 3/10 in her two overs. Khaka first accounted for Natalia Pervaiz before returning to clean up the tail, bowling both Aliya Riaz, who top-scored with 20, and Humna Bilal.
Khaka’s ability to find the stumps and extract bounce on the Benoni surface prevented Pakistan from launching a late-overs assault. Despite a few defiant boundaries from Riaz, Pakistan crawled to 100/9 in their allotted 14 overs. The Proteas’ bowling unit, supported by sharp fielding and a run-out by Sinalo Jafta, ensured the target remained well within reach.
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Laura Wolvaardt leads the charge for South Africa in clinical series winning run chase
Chasing a target of 101 at a required rate of 7.21, South Africa approached the task with calculated aggression. Although Sune Luus fell early to the spin of Sadia Iqbal, Tazmin Brits ensured the scoreboard kept ticking with a brisk 29 off 25 balls. The foundation laid by the openers allowed Captain Laura Wolvaardt to play her natural game, blending elegance with power.
Wolvaardt remained the anchor of the innings, finishing unbeaten on 40 from just 29 deliveries. Her knock included four boundaries and a towering six, effectively killing off any hope of a Pakistani comeback. Even when Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp fell to the spin duo of Tuba Hassan and Humna Bilal, Wolvaardt remained unfazed.
South Africa reached the target with four balls to spare, finishing at 104/4 in 13.2 overs. Wolvaardt’s leadership and batting prowess took South Africa to an easy series win, while Khaka was rightfully named Player of the Match for her devastating spell. This victory reinforces South Africa’s status as a powerhouse in the shortest format as they continue their upward trajectory on the international stage.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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