Fatima Sana’s Heroics in Vain as Proteas Hold Nerve
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan’s spirited chase went in vain as South Africa women’s national cricket team edged out Pakistan women’s national cricket team by 16 runs in a high-scoring ICC Women’s Championship ODI at SuperSport Park, handing the hosts an unassailable 2-1 series lead.
Set a daunting 361 for victory, Pakistan mounted a remarkable fightback after early setbacks threatened to derail their pursuit.
Reduced to 24 for two, the visitors appeared in trouble before a resilient 97-run stand between Sadaf Shamas (61) and Ayesha Zafar (75) steadied the innings and reignited hopes.
With the required rate climbing, captain Fatima Sana produced a defiant counterattack, smashing 52 off just 36 balls to swing momentum back Pakistan’s way. South Africa’s fielding lapses — including 30 extras, 24 of them wides — further tightened the contest and kept the chase alive deep into the final overs.
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However, despite the late surge, Pakistan were bowled out for 345 in the penultimate over, falling agonisingly short in what proved to be a thrilling finish.
Earlier, South Africa had built the foundation for victory with a powerful batting display. Tasmin Brits led the charge with a brisk 77 off 62 deliveries, while Sune Luus contributed a measured 57.
The standout performance came from Annerie Dercksen, who blasted 90 from 68 balls, peppering the boundary with six fours and four sixes to propel the Proteas past the 350 mark. Nadine de Klerk’s late fireworks, highlighted by a towering 90-metre six, compounded Pakistan’s woes.
While South Africa celebrated sealing the series, Pakistan will draw confidence from their fighting performance as the teams head to Durban for the final ODI on Sunday.
