Pakistan engineered an impressive resurgence on Wednesday, defeating South Africa by 13 runs in the second women’s T20I at the Multan Cricket Stadium. After a heavy loss in the first match, Pakistan responded with a clinical performance, posting a challenging target of 182 runs, which the Proteas ultimately failed to chase.
Opting to field after winning the toss, South Africa found themselves under immediate pressure as Pakistan’s batting lineup unleashed a powerful display. Wicketkeeper Muneeba Ali spearheaded the assault, compiling a quickfire 45 off just 24 balls, peppering the field with six boundaries and two towering sixes. Her innings, marked by aggression and precision, laid the foundation for Pakistan’s imposing total.
Captain Fatima Sana and Aliya Riaz provided the finishing touches to Pakistan’s innings, further intensifying the pressure on the Proteas. Fatima, leading from the front, smashed 37 off 23 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes. Aliya Riaz contributed a lightning-fast 17 from just 7 deliveries, adding crucial runs at the death. Pakistan closed their innings at an impressive 181/4, leaving South Africa with a daunting chase.
South Africa’s bowlers struggled to stem the flow of runs. Tumi Sekhukhune managed to claim two wickets, while Suné Luus and Annerie Dercksen picked up one apiece. Luus dismissed opener Sidra Ameen, who had scored 28 off 25 balls, while Dercksen removed the experienced Nida Dar after she had contributed 29 off 21 balls.
South Africa’s response began with promise as captain Laura Wolvaardt led the charge, scoring 36 off 25 balls, laced with five boundaries and a six. However, Pakistan’s bowlers swiftly turned the tide. Tazmin Brits fell early for 9 runs, while Nadine de Klerk could only muster 12 off 16 balls. Anneke Bosch followed with 24 runs, but Pakistan’s bowlers applied constant pressure.
Sadia Iqbal was instrumental in dismantling South Africa’s chase, dismissing both Tazmin Brits and Anneke Bosch, with the latter sent packing in the 12th over. Nashra Sandhu further stifled the Proteas’ progress, claiming two vital wickets that weakened their momentum.
Despite a valiant effort from Suné Luus, who top-scored with a resilient 53 off 29 balls, and Chloe Tryon, who added a brisk 30 off 16, South Africa could only reach 168/4 in their 20 overs, falling short by 13 runs.
With the series now level at 1-1, the stage is set for an exhilarating decider in the third and final T20I, scheduled for Friday at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
