Fatima Sana starred with both bat and ball to guide Pakistan to a morale-boosting win over South Africa in Benoni, despite the Proteas having already sealed the three-match series 2-1.
Coming in at 68 for 5 in the 12th over, Sana combined with Aliya Riaz to put on a 70-run sixth-wicket stand, rescuing Pakistan from a precarious position. Sana’s unbeaten 47 off 30 balls, laced with four fours and two sixes, set South Africa a target of 145.
The Pakistan bowling unit then ran through the Proteas’ top order, with Sana claiming 2 for 12 and Sadia Iqbal taking 3 for 18. Early dismissals of Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Dane van Niekerk, and Laura Wolvaardt left South Africa reeling at 30 for 4.
Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen attempted a counterattack, adding 55 runs for the fifth wicket, but quick successive dismissals swung the match decisively in Pakistan’s favour. South Africa eventually fell short at 91 all out in the 17th over.
The two teams now shift focus to the upcoming three-match ODI series in Bloemfontein, Centurion, and Durban, starting February 22. Pakistan will look to build on the confidence from this all-round performance.
