South Africa women defeated Pakistan women by eight wickets in the third T20I at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday afternoon, securing a 2-1 series victory. This match followed an exciting series where South Africa won the first T20I by 10 runs and Pakistan bounced back to claim the second T20I by 13 runs.
Pakistan, batting first after winning the toss, made a solid start with openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza contributing 49 runs in the powerplay. However, Gull fell early for 18 runs off 18 balls, bringing Sidra Amin to the crease. Muneeba, who scored 33 runs off 26 balls with four boundaries, was run out in the 11th over, leaving Pakistan at 50 for 2.
The middle order struggled to build on the foundation, but Sidra Amin managed to score 37 runs off 40 balls. Captain Fatima Sana added a brisk 27 runs off just 17 balls, including two fours and a six, while forming a 46-run partnership with Sidra. Despite their efforts, Pakistan finished their innings at 153 for 5 in 20 overs, with Aliya Riaz and Tuba Hassan remaining unbeaten at 8 and 6 runs, respectively.
In reply, South Africa started shakily, losing Tazmin Brits for a duck in the first over to Sadia Iqbal. However, captain Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch steadied the innings with a crucial 81-run partnership for the second wicket. Bosch, who scored 46 runs off 37 balls, had to retire hurt during her innings.
Wolvaardt followed soon after, contributing 45 runs off 37 balls, as South Africa aimed to chase down the target. The chase was propelled by a blistering performance from Annerie Dercksen, who scored an unbeaten 44 runs off just 23 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes. She was supported by Sune Luus, who added a quickfire 14 runs, as the pair put together a 51-run partnership for the third wicket.
South Africa reached their target of 154 runs in just 18.3 overs, achieving victory with nine balls to spare.
Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan claimed one wicket each for Pakistan, but the day belonged to South Africa, with Annerie Dercksen being named Player of the Match and Sune Luus receiving the Player of the Series award.
Both teams will now head to the UAE to participate in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, with South Africa traveling first to compete in Group B alongside Bangladesh, England, Scotland, and the West Indies.
Scores in Brief:
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- Pakistan: 153-5 in 20 overs (Sidra Amin 37, Muneeba Ali 33, Fatima Sana 27)
- South Africa: 154-2 in 18.3 overs (Anneke Bosch 46 retired hurt, Laura Wolvaardt 45, Annerie Dercksen 44 not out, Sune Luus 14 not out)
- Player of the Match: Annerie Dercksen (South Africa)
- Player of the Series: Sune Luus (South Africa)
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