South Africa secured a two-wicket victory over Pakistan in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group 1 clash at Edgbaston on Wednesday, successfully chasing 127 with 19 balls to spare.
Pakistan’s total of 126/9 had been built around a fighting unbeaten 55 from captain Fatima Sana after the side collapsed to 50/8. South Africa looked in control of the chase for much of the innings thanks to an explosive knock from Annerie Dercksen.
The Proteas suffered an early setback when Sune Luus was bowled by Fatima Sana for five in the second over, but Dercksen quickly took control. She shared a 42-run partnership with captain Laura Wolvaardt before Wolvaardt fell for eight, caught by Sadia Iqbal off Tuba Hassan.
Dercksen continued to dominate, reaching her half-century from just 32 balls. Her innings of 52 from 35 deliveries included seven fours and two sixes and put South Africa firmly on course for victory.
However, Pakistan fought back as wickets began to tumble. Marizanne Kapp was stumped off Nashra Sandhu for 10 before Tuba Hassan removed the dangerous Dercksen, leaving South Africa on 76/4.
Nadine de Klerk then steadied the innings with a valuable 37 from 28 balls, striking six boundaries as she guided the chase towards the target. Chloe Tryon, Kayla Reyneke and Sinalo Jafta all fell during a late flurry of wickets as Pakistan threatened an unlikely comeback.
Fatima Sana continued her impressive all-round performance by claiming three wickets, while Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan picked up two wickets each.
Despite the late collapse, South Africa crossed the line on 127/8 in 16.5 overs when de Klerk’s dismissal came with only one run required. Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka were at the crease as the Proteas sealed victory.
Earlier, Marizanne Kapp’s 3/23 helped reduce Pakistan to 50/8 before Fatima Sana’s unbeaten half-century and a 71-run ninth-wicket partnership with Tuba Hassan lifted them to a competitive total.
The victory strengthens South Africa’s position in Group 1, while Pakistan are left to rue another top-order collapse despite a spirited effort from their captain.
