South Africa Women edged past Pakistan Women in a last-ball thriller to win the opening T20I by five wickets at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, taking an early 1-0 lead in the series.
In a high-octane contest, the Proteas held their nerve to chase down a challenging target of 181 on the final delivery of the match. Despite a sensational individual performance from Pakistan’s Fatima Sana, South Africa’s composure under pressure ultimately proved decisive.
Pakistan’s innings began on a shaky note, with the visitors slipping to 46/3 during the Powerplay. The momentum shifted in the middle overs thanks largely to a blistering knock from Sana, who struck 90 off just 41 balls. She reached her half-century in only 27 deliveries, peppering the boundary with four fours and five sixes. Sana shared a vital 50-run partnership with Umm-e-Hani to stabilise the innings, guiding Pakistan past the 100-run mark in the 15th over before lifting her side to a competitive 180/9 from their allotted 20 overs.
South Africa’s reply was positive from the outset as they raced to 54/1 in the Powerplay. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a composed 61 off 38 balls, anchoring the chase with authority. Her partnership with Sune Luus kept the required rate in check, with the Proteas bringing up their century in the 10th over.
The tension rose sharply in the death overs. South Africa crossed 150 in the 17th over, but tight bowling and smart use of reviews by Pakistan in the 18th and 19th overs slowed the scoring. With the match hanging in the balance in the final over, Kayla Reyneke (29* off 16) and Annerie Dercksen (9* off 9) showed great composure to scramble the required runs. In a dramatic finish, the hosts sealed victory off the final ball to end on 185/5.
South Africa Women 185/5 (20 overs)
Pakistan Women 180/9 (20 overs)
Result: South Africa Women won by five wickets.