Pakistan Under-19 Women bounced back to level the five-match Youth T20I series at 1-1 after claiming a convincing 47-run victory over South Africa Under-19 Women in the second match in Karachi on Friday.

Player of the Match Ravail Farhan produced an outstanding unbeaten 68 from 64 balls to guide the hosts to a competitive 125/4 before Pakistan’s bowlers bundled South Africa out for 78 in 17.1 overs.

Having won the toss, South Africa opted to field first, but Pakistan made a much stronger start than they had in the series opener. Openers Farhan and Komal Khan laid the platform with a 63-run partnership, taking the pressure off the middle order.

Reabetswe Dithupe eventually broke the stand by dismissing Khan for 23 in the ninth over, but Farhan remained at the crease throughout the innings. She combined with Zoofishan Ayyaz (11), Raahima Syed (8) and captain Fizza Fiaz (7) to steer Pakistan to 125/4.

Miya Lalor (1/23), Ashleigh van Wyk (1/26) and Dithupe (1/26) picked up a wicket apiece for the visitors.

South Africa’s chase never gathered momentum as Pakistan’s left-arm seam attack struck early. Shahar Bano and Mahnoor Zeb reduced the tourists to 31/2 during the powerplay, leaving the visitors with plenty of work to do.

The only meaningful resistance came through a 28-run third-wicket partnership between Diedre van Rensburg and captain Mieke van Voorst. Van Rensburg top-scored with 20 from 24 balls, while Van Voorst added 16 from 20 deliveries.

However, Pakistan’s bowlers continued to chip away at the wickets. Zeb led the attack with figures of 3/21, while Mah Noor (2/19) and Maham Nazakat (2/8) provided excellent support as South Africa were dismissed for 78 with 17 balls remaining.

The two sides will meet again on Sunday in the third Youth T20I, with the series finely poised at 1-1.

Fixtures – Youth T20I Series

(All times SAST)

Results

  • 1st Youth T20I: South Africa U19 Women won by 4 wickets
    • Pakistan U19: 103/6 (20 overs) – Aqsa Habib 38, Zoofishan Ayyaz 30; Ashleigh van Wyk 3/15, Miya Lalor 2/21
    • South Africa U19: 104/6 (16 overs) – Chanel Venter 41, Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout 22
  • 2nd Youth T20I: Pakistan U19 Women won by 47 runs
    • Pakistan U19: 125/4 (20 overs) – Ravail Farhan 68* (64), Komal Khan 23 (24); Miya Lalor 1/23, Reabetswe Dithupe 1/26
    • South Africa U19: 78 all out (17.1 overs) – Diedre van Rensburg 20 (24), Mieke van Voorst 16 (20); Mahnoor Zeb 3/21, Maham Nazakat 2/8

Upcoming Fixtures

  • Sunday, 19 July – 16:00: 3rd Youth T20I – Pakistan U19 vs South Africa U19 Women (National Stadium, Karachi)
  • Wednesday, 22 July – 16:00: 4th Youth T20I – Pakistan U19 vs South Africa U19 Women (National Stadium, Karachi)
  • Friday, 24 July – 16:00: 5th Youth T20I – Pakistan U19 vs South Africa U19 Women (National Stadium, Karachi)