BIRMINGHAM, UK: Annerie Dercksen’s blistering half-century and Nadine de Klerk’s composed inning propelled South Africa to a nerve-jangling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 11th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at Edgbaston on Wednesday.
South Africa overcome Pakistan fight to secure their first win at the Women’s #T20WorldCup 2026 👊
📝: https://t.co/F7iQvU4ZRC pic.twitter.com/qwg9TJgGnH
— ICC (@ICC) June 17, 2026
Chasing a modest 126, the Proteas cruised to 76/2 before a dramatic collapse of 5/49 threatened to derail their pursuit, but de Klerk’s aggressive 37 and Dercksen’s explosive 52 ensured the target wains overhauled with 19 deliveries to spare.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana produced a magnificent all-round performance, backing her unbeaten 55 with three crucial wickets, but her heroics proved insufficient as South Africa clinched their second victory of the tournament.
Annerie Dercksen’s fighting knock helped South Africa secure a narrow win over Pakistan 👊
She wins the @aramco POTM award 🏅 pic.twitter.com/Z4xR7QVWMV
— ICC (@ICC) June 17, 2026
The chase began positively for South Africa, with captain Laura Wolvaardt (eight) and Sune Luus (five) putting on 11 before the latter fell to Fatima Sana. Dercksen then took centre stage, launching a stunning counterattack that featured seven boundaries and two towering sixes.
Annerie Dercksen guides the South Africa chase with a stellar fifty 👊
It is one of @marriottbonvoy Milestones of the #T20WorldCup 2026. pic.twitter.com/VSt7EIM0pT
— ICC (@ICC) June 17, 2026
The right-hander added 42 runs with Wolvaardt for the second wicket before Tuba Hassan broke through, dismissing the South African captain caught at midwicket. Dercksen continued her assault alongside Marizanne Kapp (10), but both fell in quick succession, Kapp stumped off Nashra Sandhu and Dercksen bowled by Tuba Hassan, reducing South Africa to 76/4.
What followed was a tense period as Pakistan’s spinners tightened the screws. Chloe Tryon (four) and Kayla Reyneke (two) fell cheaply to Sadia Iqbal, while Sinalo Jafta’s quickfire five ended with Fatima Sana’s third scalp, leaving the Proteas wobbling at 125/7.
With nine runs still needed from 22 balls, de Klerk held his nerve, smashing two crucial boundaries before being out caught behind. Fatima Sana than bowled a wide off the leg to Shabnim Ismail, guiding South Africa home with 19 balls to spare.
Earlier, Kapp’s devastating new-ball spell of 3/23 had restricted Pakistan to 126/9, with only Fatima Sana’s defiant half-century providing respectability.
A captain’s knock from Fatima Sana keeps Pakistan going 👊
Her half-century is one of @marriottbonvoy Milestones of the #T20WorldCup 2026 🙌 pic.twitter.com/rGvkq10NLH
— ICC (@ICC) June 17, 2026
The result leaves South Africa firmly in contention for the semi-finals, while Pakistan face an uphill battle to recover from their second defeat of the campaign.
