In a contest that had ups and downs until the final delivery, South Africa they maintained the courage to defeat Pakistan for five wickets in the opening Women’s T20I at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom. While Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sanaa produced the impressive hit, the best of his career, under immense pressure, it was Laura Wolvaardt and the collective batting effort of the hosts that ultimately sealed a dramatic victory.
The match had everything a T20 contest promises: early collapses, fearless counter-attacks, middle-order jitters and a finish that went right down to the last ball.
Fatima Sana’s fearless fight lifts Pakistan to 180
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan’s innings seemed to fall apart quickly. Reduced to 64 for 6 in 10 overs, the visitors were looking at a modest total. South Africa’s bowlers led by the disciplined Kayla ReynekeIt continued to attack at regular intervals.
Reyneke was outstanding with the ball, returning figures of 2 for 13 in his four overs, including a maiden. she eliminated Fierce Seagull and Natalia Pervaizwhile Ayanda Hlubí and Nonkululeko Mlaba added to Pakistan’s woes with key developments.
But just when the innings seemed beyond repair, Sana came in and changed the script.
Arriving in the box at a precarious moment, the Pakistani captain launched an impressive counter-attack. He hit seven towering sixes and nine boundaries in an impressive 90 off 41 balls, refusing to let the innings fade away. His assault in the last five overs changed the tone of the match. Overs by Mlaba, Hlubi and Ayabonga Khaka It proved costly as Sana capitalized on anything loose, propelling Pakistan to a competitive 180 for 9.
Although wickets fell at the other end, Sana’s fearless strokeplay ensured that Pakistan carried the momentum into the break.
Laura Wolvaardt presents South Africa’s response
Chasing 181 was never going to be easy, but South Africa started with confidence. British tazmin Set the tone with initial boundaries before falling into Humna Bilal. Later, Wolvaardt and Sune Luus He stabilized the innings with a smooth 62-run partnership.
Luus contributed a spirited 32 before being dismissed by Nashra Sandhubut Wolvaardt continued to dictate the conditions. She brought up a 31-ball half-century with authority, combining elegance with calculated aggression. At the 10 over mark, South Africa were well placed at 102 for 2.
However, the game became tight again. Sandhu removed Wolvaardt for 61, and quick wickets of Dane van Niekerk and Lara Goodall put Pakistan back in contention. At 153 for 5 after 17 overs, South Africa needed 28 runs in the last three overs, setting up a harrowing finish.
Kayla Reyneke stays calm to seal dramatic victory
Reyneke, who already had an impact with the ball, rose to the occasion with the bat. His unbeaten 29 off 16 deliveries proved decisive. She hit crucial boundaries and a vital six in the penultimate over to keep the equation manageable.
When two runs were required off the last ball, Reyneke maintained his composure and flicked the delivery over the ropes, sparking celebrations in the South African camp. The hosts finished at 185 for 5, sealing a memorable five-wicket victory.
As South Africa celebrated a hard-fought victory, Sana’s brave 90 stood out as the most emotional moment of the night – a captain leading from the front, refusing to give up even when the odds were high.
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This article was first published in WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
