Pakistan’s women’s cricket squad etched their name in the annals of cricket history, securing an unprecedented whitewash against South Africa in the third T20I match.
This remarkable feat marks Pakistan as the first Asian nation to achieve such a dominant victory over South Africa on their home turf.
The masterful leadership of Captain Nida Dar, complemented by the outstanding performances of Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu, illuminated the National Stadium in Karachi as Pakistan delivered a thrilling win.
In a strategic twist, South African captain Laura Wolvaardt opted to field first, deviating from their previous approach of batting first in the first two matches. Nevertheless, Pakistan launched with a robust start, accumulating 41 runs during the powerplay, thanks to the dynamic duo of Shawaal Zulfiqar and Sidra Amin.
Even after Shawaal’s departure at the hands of Nonkululeko Mlaba, Pakistan’s batting lineup maintained its vigor. A pivotal 49-run partnership between Sidra and Bismah Maroof, followed by another impressive 49-run collaboration between Bismah and Nida Dar, ensured Pakistan reached a formidable total of 150 runs.
Defending the 151-run target posed a formidable challenge, especially against South Africa’s formidable batting lineup. Laura’s remarkable innings of 72 runs kept South Africa in contention until the very end. However, her valiant efforts outshone her fellow South African batters, with Nadine de Klerk’s 20 being the second-highest score.
The left-arm spin duo of Nashra and Sadia, consistently successful throughout the series, proved to be the nemesis of the South African batters. Both Nashra and Sadia clinched two wickets each, sealing South Africa’s fate and preventing them from reaching the 151-run target.
With the T20I series comfortably in Pakistan’s grasp, all eyes are now eagerly awaiting the upcoming ODI series, scheduled to commence on September 08, 2023, at 3:30 pm (PST)
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