South Africa registered a 16-run victory over Pakistan in a thrilling ICC Women’s Championship Series one-day international encounter at SuperSport Park, winning the series 2-1 with one match remaining.
The hosts had to fight hard to maintain their unassailable 2-0 lead, enduring some nervous moments as the visitors launched into a spirited pursuit of an intimidating target.
Having opted to bat first, the Proteas showed confidence from the start of the match with openers Laura Wolvaardt (20) and Tasmin Brits (77) establishing a solid foundation.
However, it was the British who really changed things. His innings of 77 off just 62 balls set the tone for what was to follow.
After the departure of Wolvaardt and the brief passage of Faye Tunnicliffe (7), the stage was set for a remarkable intermediate performance.
Sune Luus played tactfully, compiling a measured 57, but the day belonged to Annerie Dercksen. In a stunning display of powerful hitting, Dercksen fell just ten runs short of a century, making 90 off 68 deliveries, with the help of six boundaries and four sixes.
His partnership with Luus gave the home team a dominant position. Nadine de Klerk’s late hustle, featuring a colossal 90-yard six, added to Pakistan’s misery, with the tourists’ bowling discipline abandoning them at crucial times.
Chasing a record target of 361, Pakistan found themselves in early trouble at 24 for two, as Dercksen dismissed Muneeba. But the tourists refuse to capitulate.
A resolute stand of 97 for the third wicket between Sadaf Shamas and Ayesha Zafar breathed new life into the contest. Zafar’s 75 and Shamas’ 61 kept the required pace within reach.
The hosts’ sloppiness on the pitch included 30 extras and 24 wides. When Fatima Sana took the field, the equation began to look increasingly precarious for the home team. The Pakistani captain scored a defiant 52 off just 36 balls, tipping the scales in her team’s favor.
Pakistan’s valiant effort ended at 345 in the penultimate over, handing South Africa a hard-fought victory.
The teams will now travel to Durban for the final ODI on Sunday.
