South Africa Women survived a spirited challenge from Pakistan Women to register a narrow two-wicket victory in Match 11 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Edgbaston. Chasing 127 for victory, the Proteas reached the target in 16.5 overs thanks to a match-winning half-century from Annerie Dercksen, who was named Player of the Match. While the contest featured several momentum swings, it began in dramatic fashion with veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp producing a dream delivery to remove Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali on the very first ball of the match.

Marizanne Kapp gets rid of Muneeba Ali with a jaffa

The opening delivery of the contest set the tone for South Africa’s disciplined bowling performance. Kapp bowled a probing good-length ball that jagged in sharply as Muneeba attempted to shuffle across and work it into the leg side. Beaten by the movement, the Pakistan opener was struck on the front pad, prompting a loud appeal from the South African players.

The on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal, but South Africa wasted no time in opting for the Decision Review System. Ball-tracking confirmed that the delivery had pitched in line and was crashing into the stumps, showing three reds and overturning the original verdict. Muneeba was forced to depart for a first-ball duck, while Kapp celebrated an ideal start with her teammates.

The dismissal immediately put Pakistan under pressure, and the early breakthrough allowed South Africa to dictate terms during the powerplay. It also highlighted Kapp’s ability to deliver in crucial moments on the biggest stage, using precision and movement rather than sheer pace to outfox the batter.

Here’s the video:

You couldn’t ask for a better start! 🔥💪

Marizanne Kapp gets South Africa off the mark immediately, trapping Muneeba Ali lbw on the very first ball after a successful review. 🎯👏#SAvPAK

ICC Women’s #T20WorldCup 2026 | #WIvSCO | THU, 18 JUN, 10:30 PM pic.twitter.com/qszxYA921n

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 18, 2026

Also READ: Annerie Dercksen’s heroics power South Africa to narrow win over Pakistan at Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

South Africa survive Pakistan scare to win a thriller

Pakistan’s innings recovered after the disastrous start largely because of an outstanding counterattack from captain Fatima Sana. She smashed 55 runs from just 38 deliveries, striking six fours and two sixes, while Tuba Hassan chipped in with 23 to lift the total to 126/9 after 20 overs. Kapp complemented her early strike by finishing with figures of 3 for 23, making her one of the standout performers with the ball. Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka also chipped in with timely wickets to keep Pakistan from building sustained partnerships.

In reply, South Africa’s chase was far from straightforward. Early wickets left them under pressure before Dercksen took charge with a superb 52 off 35 balls, an innings decorated with seven boundaries and two sixes. Nadine de Klerk added a valuable 37 as the Proteas rebuilt their innings and moved closer to the target. Pakistan fought back admirably through Fatima, who completed an impressive all-round performance by taking three wickets, while Sadia Iqbal and Tuba also made inroads with the ball. Despite the late resistance, South Africa held their nerve to reach 127/8 and secure a hard-fought two-wicket victory.

Also READ: Fans celebrate as Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma star in India’s emphatic triumph over the Netherlands in the Women’s T20 World Cup

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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