KARACHI / ISLAMABAD: Pakistan achieved a clean sweep of the series against South Africa with a 3-0 victory in the final women’s Twenty20 International at the National Bank Stadium.
The Nida Dar-led team secured victories in the first two matches of the series, winning by five and seven wickets, respectively.
In the last match, the hosts successfully defended a total of 150 runs, narrowly preventing the visitors from securing a consolation win, falling short by just six runs.
This accomplishment is significant for Pakistan, especially considering that South Africa were the runners-up in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup earlier in the year and hold a higher ranking in the format, currently at fifth place, two spots above Pakistan.
While Pakistan displayed clinical chasing skills in the first two matches, the third match highlighted their bowling prowess. The bowlers performed admirably, with Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu taking two wickets each, limiting South Africa’s scoring opportunities.
South Africa found themselves needing seven runs on the final ball of the match, which proved to be an insurmountable task for them.
South Africa had a strong start, with captain and opener Laura Wolvaardt scoring 72 off 54 balls, including nine fours.
However, the lack of substantial support from other batters, with Nadine de Klerk being the second-highest scorer with 20 off 22 balls, hindered their chase and ultimately led to their defeat.
In the batting department, Sidra Amin and Bismah Maroof contributed 39 runs each, while Nida Dar played a pivotal role with a 20-ball 36, featuring five fours and sixes, as Pakistan posted a total of 150-5.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan: 150-5 in 20 overs (Sidra Amin 39, Bismah Maroof 39; Tumi Sekhukhune 2-24)
South Africa: 144-5 in 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 72, Nadine de Klerk 20*; Nashra Sandhu 2-16)
