KARACHI: Pakistan Women’s cricket team completed a stunning series sweep against South Africa Women in the three-match Women’s T20I series by clinching a hard-fought victory in the third and final encounter, winning by a slender margin of six runs.
Pakistan, after being asked to bat first, amassed a challenging total of 150 runs for the loss of five wickets during their stipulated 20 overs, courtesy of an impressive batting performance from their lineup. Noteworthy contributions came from former captain Bismah Maroof, Sidra Ameen, and current skipper Nida Dar.
Pakistan's victorious captain @CoolNidadar's post-series press conference at National Bank Stadium.
Full video ➡️ https://t.co/1ndMVjYHFL#PAKWvSAW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/IZU4aFD3vz
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 4, 2023
Pakistan Batting Against South Africa
Pakistan’s opening pair of Shawaal Zulfiqar and the in-form Sidra Ameen set a strong foundation with a composed 41-run partnership at the crease.
These two batswomen displayed sensible cricket before Shawaal was dismissed in the seventh over by Nonkululeko Mlaba, securing South Africa’s initial breakthrough. Shawaal contributed 18 runs from 19 deliveries, embellishing her innings with three boundaries.
🏆 W I N N E R S 🏆
A landmark series whitewash 🙌#PAKWvSAW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/qOTQOGRgyu
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 4, 2023
Bismah Maroof emerged as the highest run-scorer for Pakistan, notching up 39 runs off 34 deliveries, embellishing her innings with three boundaries. Star performer Sidra Ameen, who had shone in the previous game, delivered another impressive performance with a run-a-ball 39, including four well-placed boundaries. The experienced duo of Bismah Maroof and skipper Nida Dar bolstered the total with a sensational 49-run partnership.
Captain Nida Dar provided valuable support with her dynamic knock of 36 runs from just 20 balls, which included five boundaries and a maximum. Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeaba Ali contributed eight crucial runs to Pakistan’s total before succumbing to the penultimate delivery of the innings.
South Africa Women’s bowler Tumi Sekhukhune stood out with her remarkable performance, securing two crucial wickets while conceding just 16 runs in her four overs.
The game-changing wicket courtesy @sadiaiqbal45 👏#PAKWvSAW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/WAJEQLzx9e
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 4, 2023
Despite Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt’s resilient half-century, scoring 72 runs from 54 deliveries with nine boundaries, South Africa was unable to chase down the target, ending their innings at 144-5 after 20 overs.
The spin duo of Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu played pivotal roles in Pakistan’s victory by taking two wickets each, effectively constraining South Africa’s progress.
Pakistan’s impressive clean sweep in the Women’s T20I series reflects their growing strength in women’s cricket and their ability to compete at the highest level.
