South Africa secured a 16-run win over Pakistan in a thrilling One Day International encounter in the ICC Women’s Championship series at SuperSport Park, making the series 2-1 with a game to spare.
The hosts were forced to fight hard for their unassailable 2-0 lead and endured a few nervous moments as the visitors launched a spirited chase for a daunting goal.
Opting to bat first, the Proteas showed confidence right 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. Her innings of 77 from just 62 balls set the tone for what was to follow.
After Wolvaardt’s departure and a brief stint at the crease for Faye Tunnicliffe (7), the stage was set for a remarkable middle-order display.
Sune Luus played tactfully and came together with a measured 57, but the day belonged to Annerie Dercksen. In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Dercksen came just ten runs short of a century, blasting 90 off 68 deliveries with the help of six boundaries and four sixes.
Her partnership with Luus gave the home team a leading position. Nadine de Klerk’s late storm, with a colossal 90-metre six, compounded Pakistan’s misery, with the tourists’ bowling discipline deserting them at crucial times.
Chasing a record target of 361, Pakistan found themselves in early trouble at 24 for two when Dercksen sent back 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 composed 75 and Shamas’ gritty 61 kept the required rate within reach.
The hosts’ sloppiness in the field included 30 extras plus 24 wides. When Fatima Sana arrived on the field, the equation began to look increasingly precarious for the home side. The Pakistan captain smashed a defiant 52 from just 36 balls, which changed the balance in her team’s favour.
Pakistan’s valiant effort ended at 345 all out in the penultimate over, giving South Africa a hard-fought victory.
The teams will now travel to Durban for the final ODI on Sunday.
