South Africa Women claimed a hard-fought 10-run victory over Pakistan Women in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Monday. The win gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the series.
Chasing a target of 133, Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled, finding themselves at 47-5 in the 13th over. However, a spirited unbeaten 75-run partnership for the sixth wicket between captain Fatima Sana and Aliya Riaz revived their hopes. Despite the late heroics, Pakistan fell short by 10 runs.
Fatima Sana, the right-handed captain, played a crucial knock, scoring an unbeaten 37 off 24 balls, which included five boundaries. Aliya Riaz, who anchored the innings, brought up her second T20I half-century, finishing on 52 not out from 39 balls, with five fours and a six.
However, South Africa’s bowlers, led by Marizanne Kapp and Tumi Sekhukhune, kept the pressure on. Both took two wickets each, helping restrict Pakistan to 122-5 in 20 overs.
Earlier, South Africa, after being put in to bat, posted a modest total of 132-4 in their 20 overs. Opener Tazmin Brits was the standout performer with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 56 from 63 balls, including five boundaries. She shared a crucial 63-run stand with Sune Luus (27 off 27 balls, 4x4s) for the fourth wicket, and an unbeaten 28-run partnership with Chloe Tryon, who blasted two sixes in her quickfire 15 off 7 balls.
For Pakistan, left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-34 in her four overs, including her 50th T20I wicket. Nida Dar, Pakistan’s most experienced player in her 154th T20I, bowled a tight spell, conceding just 11 runs in her four overs and picking up the important wicket of Marizanne Kapp.
Tazmin Brits’ anchoring knock earned her the Player of the Match award, while Sadia Iqbal’s milestone of reaching 50 T20I wickets was a notable achievement for the hosts.
The second T20I will be played at the same venue on Wednesday evening, with the match set to begin at 7:00 PM PST.
Scores in brief:
South Africa Women beat Pakistan Women by 10 runs
South Africa: 132-4 in 20 overs (Tazmin Brits 56 not out, Sune Luus 27; Sadia Iqbal 3-34)
Pakistan: 122-5 in 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 52 not out, Fatima Sana 37 not out; Tumi Sekhukhune 2-15, Marizanne Kapp 2-22)
Player of the Match: Tazmin Brits (South Africa)
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