The Protea Women’s team triumphed over Pakistan by 8 wickets in a heart-pounding finale at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan, Pakistan, on Friday, 20 September, 2024.
The win has clinched South Africa the T20I series win 2-1 after the series opening win on Monday and the Proteas Women’s hear-wrenching loss on Wednesday, and will ignite excitement ahead of the upcoming 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to field, setting the stage for a gripping encounter that would keep fans on the edge of their seats. Pakistan’s innings began with Muneeba Ali, who dazzled with a spirited (33).
However, the momentum shifted dramatically when she was run out by the dynamic duo of Tazmin Brits and Suné Luus, leaving the home crowd in stunned disbelief.
Gull Feroza (18) showed promise, but her dismissal to Luus added to Pakistan’s woes. Sidra Amin (37) valiantly tried to hold the innings together, crafting a measured stance at the crease as wickets tumbled around her.
Nida Dar (12) lit up the ground with a blistering, before falling to spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, while captain Fatima Sana (27) added quick runs but ultimately Pakistan set a total of 153/5.
The Proteas bowling unit brought the fire at regular intervals with Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Suné Luus and Nonkululeko Mlaba all taking a wicket each as they worked together to contain the home side’s potential.
South Africa began their run-chase amidst an electrified atmosphere. Laura Wolvaardt (45) took charge, scoring at a steady rate. The Proteas camp held their breath when Tazmin Brits was dismissed for a duck, stumped by Muneeba off Sadia Iqbal’s bowling.
It was Anneke Bosch’s (46) steady presence at the crease that brought stability, she scored crucial runs before retiring hurt, leaving fans both worried yet hopeful. In a stunning display of skill and aggression, Annerie Dercksen rose to the occasion, blasting an impressive unbeaten (44*).
Suné Luus contributed a calm (14*) not out, as they guided South Africa to an 8-wicket victory and to claim bragging rights for the Series win.
It was a fitting conclusion to a captivating series, highlighting the talent and determination of both teams as we look ahead to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Results for the Proteas Women’s Outbound T20I Series against Pakistan 16 – 20 September at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
Mon, 16 Sep: 1st T20I – Pakistan lost to South Africa by 10 runs
Wed, 18 Sep: 2nd T20I – Pakistan beat South Africa by 13 runs
Fri, 20 Sep: 3rd T20I – Pakistan lost to South Africa by 8 wickets (with 9 balls rem.)
Proteas Women Team for the Third T20 International
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain)
Tazmin Brits
Annerie Dercksen
Suné Luus
Chloe Tryon
Nadine de Klerk
Sinalo Jafta (Wk)
Seshnie Naidu
Tumi Sekhukhune
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Main Photo Caption: The Protea Women’s team triumphed over Pakistan by 8 wickets in a heart-pounding finale at Multan Cricket Stadium, clinching the T20I series 2-1 ahead of the upcoming 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Pakistan on Friday, 20 September. Photo: Cricket South Africa
Photo 2 Caption: Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to field, setting the stage for a gripping encounter that would keep fans on the edge of their seats. Photo: Cricket SA
Photo 3 Caption: After the bowlers contained Pakistan, the SA cause was won by blistering innings by Laura Wolvaardt, Anneke Bosch and Annerie Dercksen Photo: Cricket SA