South Africa Clinch 10-Run Win Over Pakistan in Tense WT20I Opener
South Africa Clinch 10-Run Win Over Pakistan in Tense WT20I Opener: South Africa edged past Pakistan by 10 runs in a thrilling first T20I, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Monday night.
Chasing a modest target of 133, Pakistan’s top order faltered early, leaving them reeling at 47-5 in the 13th over. It was then that captain Fatima Sana joined Aliya Riaz in a crucial unbroken 75-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Despite their resilience, Pakistan fell just 10 runs short, finishing at 122-5 after 20 overs.
Fatima played a stellar knock, scoring 37 off 24 balls, which included five boundaries. Aliya Riaz, the mainstay of the innings, notched up her second T20I half-century, finishing unbeaten on 52 from 39 balls, hitting five fours and a six.
For South Africa, Marizanne Kapp (2-22) and Tumi Sekhukhune (2-15) were the key bowlers, helping restrict Pakistan’s chase.
Earlier in the evening, South Africa posted 132-4 after opting to bat first. Opener Tazmin Brits anchored the innings with a steady 56* off 63 balls, featuring five fours. She was well-supported by Sune Luus, who contributed 27 from 27 balls, and Chloe Tryon, who smashed 15* off just seven balls, including two towering sixes.
For Pakistan, left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal was the standout bowler, taking 3-34 in her four overs. Her third wicket in the 18th over marked her 50th T20I scalp in just 41 matches. Nida Dar also bowled a tight spell, conceding only 11 runs in her four overs and picking up the key wicket of Kapp.
The teams will now prepare for the second T20I, which will be played at the same venue on Wednesday evening at 1900 PST.
Scores in brief:
South Africa Women beat Pakistan Women by 10 runs
South Africa Women: 132-4, 20 overs (Tazmin Brits 56*; Sune Luus 27; Sadia Iqbal 3-34)
Pakistan Women: 122-5, 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 52*; Fatima Sana 37*; Tumi Sekhukhune 2-15, Marizanne Kapp 2-22)
Player of the match: Tazmin Brits (South Africa)
