South Africa secured a 16-run victory over Pakistan in a thrilling One Day International encounter of the ICC Women’s Championship series at SuperSport Park, securing the series 2-1 with a match to spare.
The hosts had to fight hard to build their unassailable 2-0 lead, enduring some nervy moments as the visitors launched a spirited chase for a daunting goal.
Choosing to bat first, the Proteas showed confidence from the start of the match with openers Laura Wolvaardt (20) and Tasmin Brits (77) laying a solid foundation.
However, it was the British who really changed the momentum. His 77 innings off just 62 balls set the tone for what was to come.
Following the departure of Wolvaardt and a brief stint in the area for Faye Tunnicliffe (7), the stage was set for a notable mid-level performance.
Sune Luus played tactfully and posted a score of 57, but the day belonged to Annerie Dercksen. In an impressive display of hitting power, Dercksen fell just ten runs short of a century, hitting 90 off 68 deliveries, aided by six boundaries and four sixes.
His partnership with Luus gave the home team a commanding position. Nadine de Klerk’s late burst, with a colossal 90-metre six, compounded Pakistan’s misery, with the tourists’ bowling discipline abandoning them at crucial moments.
Chasing a record target of 361, Pakistan found themselves in trouble early on at 24 for two, when Dercksen returned Muneeba. However, the tourists refused to capitulate.
A resolute third-wicket stand of 97 between Sadaf Shamas and Ayesha Zafar breathed new life into the contest. Zafar’s 75 compounds and Shamas’ brave 61 kept the required pace within their reach.
The locals’ carelessness on the field included 30 extras plus 24 open ones. When Fátima Sana arrived in the area, the equation began to look increasingly precarious for the local team. The Pakistan captain scored a challenging 52 in just 36 balls, tipping the balance in her team’s favour.
Pakistan’s valiant effort ended at 345 in the penultimate over, giving South Africa a hard-fought victory.
The teams will now head to Durban for the final ODI on Sunday.
