Pakistan Levels the T20 Series with a Thrilling 13-Run Victory Over South Africa
In a riveting contest at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan's women's cricket team defeated South Africa by 13 runs in the second T20 International to level the three-match series 1-1. After a tight loss in the first game, Pakistan bounced back with a solid all-around performance, led by key contributions from Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, and captain Fatima Sana.
Batting first, Pakistan put up an impressive 181/4, their highest T20I score, thanks to some fine batting performances. Muneeba Ali, the player of the match, was instrumental with a swashbuckling 45 off just 34 balls, which included six fours and two sixes. Muneeba's partnership with Sidra Amin, who contributed 28 runs, gave Pakistan a strong platform early on. After the departure of the openers, it was Nida Dar and Fatima Sana who stepped up. Nida’s 29, laced with four boundaries, and Fatima’s unbeaten 37 from just 24 balls, propelled Pakistan to a commanding total. Aliya Riaz added the finishing touches, smashing 17 not out, which included two fours and a six.
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South Africa, who had won the first T20I by 10 runs, struggled to chase down the target of 182. Despite a strong opening partnership and a valiant effort from captain Laura Wolvaardt, who made 36 off 25 balls, South Africa faltered in the middle overs. Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal were the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers, each taking two wickets, which derailed South Africa’s momentum.
However, the game remained thrilling until the very end, with Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon fighting back for South Africa. Luus's unbeaten 53 and Tryon’s 30 not out put together a threatening 80-run stand for the fifth wicket, but it wasn't enough. South Africa ended their innings on 168/4, falling short by 13 runs, largely due to some brilliant death bowling from Pakistan.
After the match, Muneeba Ali acknowledged the team's improvement, especially after their lackluster performance in the first T20I. She emphasized how the team had focused on stepping up, and this aggressive approach paid off. South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, on the other hand, pointed out that extra runs conceded in the field made a significant difference, contributing to their defeat.
With the series now tied at 1-1, both teams will head into the decider with everything to play for, making the final T20I an exciting contest.
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