In a nail-biting encounter at the National Bank Stadium, Pakistan Women’s cricket team scripted history as Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana held their nerves to secure Pakistan’s highest successful run-chase in T20Is, defeating South Africa by 5 wickets. Despite facing regular setbacks and Bismah Maroof’s resilient 37 off 30 balls being the top score for Pakistan, the hosts successfully chased down a challenging target of 151 on the very last ball of the match.
Captain Nida Dar’s decision to field first, after winning the toss, seemed challenging as the National Bank Stadium pitch favored batting. South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, partnered with Tazmin Brits, initiated the innings with a blazing start, amassing 48 runs without losing a wicket in the first six overs.
However, Pakistan’s left-arm-spin duo, Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal, executed a remarkable comeback to stifle the South African onslaught. Nashra managed to dismiss Wolvaardt, breaking the dangerous partnership, while Sadia later accounted for Marizanne Kapp’s wicket. Despite this, Tazmin Brits shone brightly, crafting an exceptional 78 runs, earning her the player of the match award, albeit in a losing cause.
Pakistan’s chase began with openers Shawaal Zulfiqar and Sidra Amin setting an aggressive tone. Despite facing the loss of wickets, including four run-outs, Pakistan showed remarkable resilience. Bismah Maroof’s composed 37 played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings and maintaining the required momentum.
The match reached a thrilling climax, with just eight runs needed off the last over. Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana exhibited remarkable composure, effectively rotating the strike, ultimately leaving Pakistan needing only one run on the last ball. Aliya Riaz fittingly sealed the victory by hitting the winning runs, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home crowd.
The second T20I between South Africa and Pakistan is scheduled to take place on September 3, 2023, at 7:30 pm.
Scores in Brief:
South Africa: 150-3 (Tazmin Brits 78, Laura Wolvaardt 44; Nashra Sundhu 1-20, Sadia Iqbal 1-22)
Pakistan: 151-5 (Bismah Maroof 37, Aliya Riaz 28*; Marizanne Kapp 1-24)
Player of the Match: Tazmin Brits (South Africa)
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