South Africa edge Pakistan in third T20I to clinch series

MULTAN: A combined batting effort steered South Africa to a resounding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the third Women’s T20I of the three-match series here on Friday.

South Africa won the series 2-1 as they also won the first match before Pakistan made a comeback in the second game.

The visitors successfully achieved the 154-run target at a loss of only two wickets with nine balls to spare.

South Africa has a shaky start to their chase as Tazmin Brits bagged a golden duck in the first over.

However, captain Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch stitched an 84-run partnership for the second wicket to tilt the game in the visitors’ favour.

Anneke Bosch was retired hurt after scoring 46 runs from 37 balls with the help of six boundaries and one six.

Meanwhile, Laura Wolvaardt fell prey to Tuba Hasan after hitting 45 off 37 with four boundaries including two sixes.

Annerie Dercksen and Sune Luus then put together an unbeaten 51-run partnership to seal the victory for South Africa as they scored 154-2 in 18.3 overs.

Dercksen struck a 23-ball 44, laced with six boundaries and two sixes, while Luus managed 14 off 13.

For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan managed one wicket each.

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Earlier, South Africa invited Pakistan to bat first, however, the decision backfired as Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza put together a 50-run opening stand.

Sune Luus broke the partnership right after they reached 50 as she caught and bowled Gull Feroza, who was playing at 18.

Muneeba Ali soon departed courtesy of a run-out after scoring 33 runs from 26 balls with the help of four boundaries.

Sidra Amin then added 33 runs for the third wicket with former captain Nida Dar, who scored 12 off seven.

Pakistan women’s captain Fatima Sana joined Sidra and scored a quick 27-run knock from 17 balls during the 46-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Fatima’s entertaining yet brief knock was ended by Tumi Sekhukhune, thanks to a safe catch by Anneke Bosch.

Sidra Amin soon followed Fatima back to the pavilion after playing a scratchy knock of 37 runs from 40 balls with three boundaries.

Aliya Riaz (8*) and Tuba Hasan (6*) helped to drag Pakistan’s total to 153-5 in their allocated 20 overs.

For South Africa, Chloe Tryon, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Sune Luus bagged one wicket each.

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