Pakistan Women cricket team has created history as they chased down 150+ target first time in their T20 career. In the first match of 3 match T20I series played at Karachi, the home side stunned the visitors.
South Africa’s Tazmin Brits played an outstanding knock with the bat, scoring 78 runs off 64 balls, however, it proved insufficient as Pakistan achieved their highest T20I score against South Africa in a thrilling last-over match. Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof’s contributions in the 30s, along with Aliya Riaz’s crucial role in the final moments, ensured that Pakistan finally get over the line and create a history.
In their pursuit of 151, Pakistan women batters kept things steady and tried to play the match deep which transferred the pressure on South African bolwers in the second phase of the chasing. Despite facing four run-outs, they formed crucial partnerships, ultimately securing the victory with Riaz hitting a boundary to deep midwicket on the final ball.
South Africa women, batting first, saw their openers Laura Wolvaardt (44) and Brits establish an impressive 85-run partnership. Marizanne Kapp and Brits then combined to add 58 runs off just 37 balls for the second wicket, with Brits taking the aggressive stance. Brits reached her eighth T20I fifty in 44 balls and continued to score briskly.
In total, Brits struck nine boundaries and a six before being dismissed in the last over. South Africa managed to score 54 runs in the final six overs, reaching a total of 150 for 3. Pakistan women, on the other hand, approached their chase with professionalism. Although they lost Shawaal Zulfiqar early to Kapp, Ameen and Maroof contributed 30 runs for the second wicket to maintain the momentum. Ameen’s run-out in the ninth over was followed by captain Nida Dar’s dismissal just ten balls later.
Maroof and Riaz then stabilized the required run rate with an 18-ball partnership of 34 runs for the fourth wicket. After another run-out, Riaz and Muneeba Ali formed a 43-run partnership for the fifth wicket, bringing Pakistan closer to victory. Muneeba fell on the final ball of the 19th over, leaving Pakistan with eight runs to win in the 20th over. However, Riaz remained composed and, alongside Fatima Sana, secured the victory.
