Pakistan’s women’s cricket team secured a thrilling victory against South Africa in the second match of the three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series at the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday. The win not only gave them an unassailable lead in the series but also showcased some outstanding individual performances.
.@aliya_riaz37 the finisher! 🌟
Sublime hitting to get Pakistan over the line 🔥#PAKWvSAW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/L5QJUFYxoE
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 3, 2023
Facing a challenging target of 151 runs, Pakistan women got off to a shaky start with the early dismissal of Shawaal Zulfiqar in the fourth over. However, Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof steadied the ship with a crucial 68-run partnership. Ameen, in particular, played an exceptional innings, scoring 61 runs off 44 balls, including seven boundaries. Her remarkable performance earned her the Player of the Match award.
After Ameen and Maroof’s departure, Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz took over, forming another vital partnership to chase down the target with just five balls to spare. Riaz, who had played the hero’s role in the first T20I, once again proved her mettle with the bat, scoring 31 runs off 18 balls at a stunning strike rate of 172.22. She sealed the victory with a six on the first ball of the last over.
In the first innings, South Africa’s opening pair of Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits provided a solid start with a 74-run partnership. Brits was the top scorer for South Africa, contributing 46 runs with three boundaries, helping her side post a competitive total of 150/3 on the scoreboard.
Bowlers Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu took one wicket each for Pakistan during the first innings.
With this win, Pakistan women have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series. The remaining schedule includes the third T20I match on September 4, followed by three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) on September 8, 11, and 14 against South Africa.
The Pakistan women’s cricket team is on a high, and fans are eagerly looking forward to more thrilling contests in the upcoming matches of this series.
Lineups:
Pakistan Women: Sidra Ameen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar (c), Muneeba Ali (wk), Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Umme Hani, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Delmi Tucker, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas
Schedule of remaining matches:
- 4 Sep – Third T20I v South Africa
- 8 Sep – First ODI v South Africa
- 11 Sep – Second ODI v South Africa
- 14 Sep – Third ODI v South Africa
