Former Pakistan captain Nida Dar etched her name in the record books as she completed 2,000 T20I runs during Pakistan’s thrilling 13-run victory over South Africa in the second T20I at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The win helped Pakistan level the three-match series 1-1, setting up an exciting decider on Friday.
In a must-win contest, Pakistan posted their highest T20I total, scoring 181 for four in their allotted 20 overs, surpassing their previous best of 177 made against Malaysia in 2018.
After being sent in to bat, openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali gave Pakistan a brisk start. Although Gull was dismissed early for 10 off 11 balls by Tumi Sekhukhune, Muneeba took charge, smashing 45 off 34 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes. Her crucial 49-run partnership with Sidra Amin for the second wicket helped Pakistan build momentum.
Sidra Amin contributed a quick 28 off 20 balls, including three fours and a six, before being dismissed by Sune Luus. At 100 for three, Nida Dar and captain Fatima Sana took control. Nida scored 29 off 21 balls, crossing the 2,000 T20I runs mark during her innings, joining Bismah Maroof and Javeria Khan in the elite club of Pakistani women cricketers to achieve this feat.
Fatima Sana played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 37 off 23 balls, laced with three fours and two sixes. She was ably supported by Aliya Riaz, who hit an unbeaten 17 off just seven balls, as Pakistan finished strongly at 181-4.
South Africa’s Response:
Chasing 182, South Africa got off to a rocky start, losing Tazmin Brits for nine in the third over to Sadia Iqbal. Pakistan suffered an injury blow when captain Fatima Sana was hit on the face while fielding and was replaced by debutant Tasmia Rubab as a concussion substitute.
South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt provided resistance with a 25-ball 36, but after her departure, the visitors were reduced to 88 for four. Anneke Bosch (24) and Nadine de Klerk (12) struggled to keep the scoreboard ticking, leaving South Africa with a steep climb.
However, an unbeaten 80-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon gave South Africa a fighting chance. Luus played a brilliant knock of 53 not out off 29 balls, with six fours and a six, while Tryon contributed 30 off 16 balls. Despite their efforts, South Africa fell short by 13 runs, finishing at 168-4.
For Pakistan, left-arm spinners Nashra Sundhu (2-20) and Sadia Iqbal (2-27) were the standout bowlers, helping contain the South African batting lineup and ensuring Pakistan’s win.
Scores in Brief:
Pakistan beat South Africa by 13 runs to level the series 1-1.
Pakistan 181-4 (20 overs):
Muneeba Ali 45, Fatima Sana 37* (23b), Nida Dar 29, Sidra Amin 28;
Tumi Sekhukhune 2-30
South Africa 168-4 (20 overs):
Sune Luus 53* (29b), Laura Wolvaardt 36, Chloe Tryon 30* (16b);
Nashra Sundhu 2-20, Sadia Iqbal 2-27
Player of the Match: Muneeba Ali (Pakistan)
The series decider will be played on Friday, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 10:00 am.
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