Potchefstroom: South Africa Women’s team registered a thrilling 5-wicket win over Pakistan in the first T20I of the series at Senwes Park on Tuesday.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a match total of 180/9 in 20 overs, anchored by a sensational innings from skipper Fatima Sana, who scored 90 off 41 balls with 9 fours and 7 sixes.
His swashbuckling form became the backbone of Pakistan’s innings and accelerated the scoring in the second half.
Gul Beroza fell to Reineke for 13 off 10 balls and Muneeba Ali scored 16 off 16 balls to be dismissed by Malaba.
Ayesha Zafar added nine runs in quick succession before Chitra was ducked by Amin Hlubi.
Natalia Pervaiz steadied the middle overs with 20 off 17 balls. Umm-e-Hani scored 13 runs but Alia Riaz was run out.
Nashra Sandhu added nine before being run out and Hamna Bilal remained unbeaten on one run as Pakistan finished the innings on 180/9.
In reply, South Africa chased down the target of 185 for 5 in 20 overs.
Laura Wohlward anchored the innings and kept her side on track with a 38-ball 61 including 8 fours and a six.
Sune Luce provided a strong start with 32 off 20 balls, while Kayla Reineke kept the momentum going with 29 off 16 balls, including three massive sixes.
Tasmin Pritts and Dane Van Niekerk each added 16, and Laura Goodall contributed 11.