In a thrilling encounter at the Wanderers Stadium, South Africa secured a convincing victory over Pakistan in the second ODI, thereby clinching the series with a six-wicket win. Despite a valiant partnership between Fatima Sana and Aliya Riaz, Pakistan posted a below-par total of 168 in their first innings. South Africa comfortably chased down the target with 96 balls to spare, solidifying their dominance in the series.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s openers, Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin, struggled to make an impact against the formidable South African bowling attack. Nadine de Klerk set the tone for South Africa, claiming the wickets of Muneeba and Sadaf Shams on consecutive deliveries. She continued her impressive spell, dismissing Sidra Amin shortly after. Despite the early setbacks, the experienced duo of Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar failed to steady the ship, falling cheaply.
However, it was the magnificent partnership between Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana that resurrected Pakistan’s innings from a dire position of 49-6. Together, they crafted a brilliant seventh-wicket partnership worth 114 runs, setting a new record for Pakistan in ODIs. Fatima Sana’s impressive 69 and Aliya Riaz’s well-played 53 proved pivotal as Pakistan reached a total of 168. Unfortunately, once the partnership was broken, Pakistan managed to add only five more runs to their score.
Chasing the sub-par target, South Africa got off to a solid start. Captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits formed a 41-run partnership before Wolvaardt’s departure. However, South Africa remained firmly in control, with Tazmin Brits and Lara Goodall at the crease. As the innings progressed, Pakistani spinners launched a spirited counterattack, slowing the scoring rate and taking wickets at regular intervals.
Despite the spirited fight put up by Pakistan in the second innings, the South African team, led by Wolvaardt, reached their target comfortably with 96 balls remaining. Tazmin Brits top-scored with 45, while Lara Goodall contributed 36 crucial runs to secure the win.
Nadine de Klerk was named the Player of the Match for her exceptional bowling performance, finishing with figures of 4-32. With this victory, South Africa claimed an unassailable lead in the ODI series.
The final ODI between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled for September 14, 2023, at 3:30 PM (PST), providing both teams with one last opportunity to make their mark in this exciting series.
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