South Africa‘s women’s cricket team sealed a decisive T20I series victory by defeating Pakistan in the third and final match at Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday (September 20). The Proteas comfortably chased down a competitive target of 154 in 19.4 overs, showcasing their batting strength and composure to secure the series win. With this dominant eight-wicket win, South Africa clinched the T20I series 2-1, displaying superior batting and bowling performances

Pakistan’s innings: Promising start and middle-order struggles

Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a total of 153/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza gave the team a solid platform with a steady partnership. Muneeba impressed with a 33-run knock off 26 balls, hitting four boundaries, while Feroza contributed 18 runs off 18 deliveries, lacing her innings with three boundaries. However, Feroza’s dismissal in the sixth over by Sune Luus slowed Pakistan’s momentum.

The middle-order failed to build on the promising start. Nida Dar, known for her all-round capabilities, managed only 12 runs before being dismissed by Nonkululeko Mlaba in the 12th over. Sidra Ameen top-scored for Pakistan with 37 runs off 40 balls, but her efforts fell short of making a significant impact as she was bowled by Chloe Tryon in the 18th over.

Captain Fatima Sana provided some late resistance with a 27-run cameo, but her dismissal to Tumi Sekhukhune in the 18th over further dented Pakistan’s hopes of a big finish. Aliya Riaz (8 off 8) and Tuba Hassan (6 off 5) were unable to push the scoring rate in the final overs, leaving Pakistan with a total that appeared slightly below par.

South Africa’s bowling: Restricting Pakistan with a balanced attack

South Africa’s bowlers executed their plans efficiently, preventing Pakistan from accelerating in the latter stages of their innings. Tryon, Sekhukhune, Mlaba and Luus each claimed a wicket, maintaining consistent pressure on the Pakistan batters. Their collective effort restricted Pakistan to a total that was competitive but ultimately manageable.

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South Africa’s chase: Clinical batting display secures series win

In pursuit of 154, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front, anchoring the chase with a composed 45 off 37 balls. Her innings included two boundaries and two towering sixes, providing stability at the top of the order. Despite the early dismissal of Tazmin Britts, who was caught by Sadia Iqbal after making 7 runs, Wolvaardt’s partnership with Anneke Bosch laid the foundation for a comfortable chase.

Bosch was in fine form, scoring 46 runs off 37 deliveries, laced with six boundaries and a six, before being forced to retire hurt. Nevertheless, by the time Bosch left the field, South Africa had already gained control of the chase.

Aneerie Dercksen then took charge with an explosive knock of 44 off just 23 balls, smashing six fours and two sixes. Her powerful hitting in the closing stages ensured South Africa cruised to victory with two balls to spare. Sune Luus added a valuable 14 runs off 13 balls, ensuring there were no further hiccups as the Proteas comfortably reached the target and sealed the series.

South Africa defeated Pakistan by 8 wickets in the 3rd T20I 🏏#women #cricket #PAKvSA #southafricacricket #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/r3ExWFNlEv

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) September 20, 2024

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

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