A brilliant half century from Tazmin Brits propelled South Africa to a 10-run victory against Pakistan Women in the first T20I at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan in the three-match series, on Monday 16 September.
In a captivating opener to the T20I series, Pakistan won the toss and decided to put the Proteas in to bat first, setting the stage for an exciting series opening clash between two determined sides.
The South African innings began with captain Laura Wolvaardt flashing her blade alongside Tazmin Brits, but Sadia Iqbal struck early, getting Wolvaardt caught and bowled for 11, off just 9 balls. Iqbal was not done yet, she returned to send Anneke Bosch back for a duck, leaving South Africa at 22/2.
But Tazmin Brits was steadfast: Cool, calm, and collected, the Proteas Women opener anchored the innings with a rock-solid 56* off 63 deliveries, allowing the Proteas to build valuable momentum.
Marizanne Kapp chipped in with a swift 14 off 14 before Nida Dar snatched her wicket, and Suné Luus added a brisk run-a-ball 27 before falling victim to a smart stumping by Muneeba Ali, again off Iqbal.
Just when things seemed to simmer down, Chloe Tryon turned up the heat in the final overs with a blazing 15* off 7 balls, including two mighty sixes, to push the Proteas to competitive total of 132/4 at the close of their innings.
Sadia Iqbal was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with figures of 3/34 and Nidar Dar assisted with 1/11 as they tried curtail the South African flow of runs.
Pakistan’s run chase got off to a disastrous start with Marizanne Kapp tearing through the top order, removing Gull Feroza for a duck in the very first over before bowling Sidra Amin for 4 in her second over. Tumi Sekhukhune joined in, dismissing Muneeba Ali for 6, and soon Pakistan was 21/4, wobbling under the pressure.
But Aliya Riaz was not giving up. In a heroic counterattack, Riaz cracked an unbeaten 52* off 39 balls, and she found a formidable ally in skipper Fatima Sana, who smashed 37* off just 24 deliveries. The duo gave the Proteas a serious scare, accelerating Pakistan’s run rate in a thrilling late charge.
In the end, despite the fiery fightback, South Africa’s disciplined bowling led by Kapp’s 2/22 and Sekhukhune’s 2/15, with debutant Seshnie Naidu contributing with 1/25 held Pakistan to 122/5, sealing a tense 10-run victory.
South Africa take a 1-nil lead in the three-match series, and all home fans will be hoping they build on this victory and come out guns blazing when the teams meet again on Wednesday at the same venue, where a second win will decide the series early for the Proteas Women.
Proteas Women vs Pakistan in the First T20 International on Monday, 16 September, 2024
Laura Wolvaardt (C)
Tazmin Brits
Anneke Bosch
Marizanne Kapp
Suné Luus
Chloé Tryon
Annerie Dercksen
Sinalo Jafta (Wk)
Seshnie Naidu*
Tumi Sekhukhune
Ayabonga Khaka
* Debutant
Proteas Women’s Outbound T20I Series against Pakistan from 16 – 20 September, 2024
Mon, 16 September: 1st T20I – Pakistan lost to South Africa by 10 runs
16h00 (CAT) Wed 18 September: 2nd T20I – Pakistan vs South Africa
07h00 (CAT) Fri 20 September: 3rd T20I – Pakistan vs South Africa
* All fixtures played at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan
Main Photo Caption: A brilliant half century from Tazmin Brits propelled South Africa to a 10-run victory against Pakistan Women in the first T20I at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan in the three-match series, on Monday 16 September. Photo: Cricket South Africa
Photo 2 Caption: SA pace bowler Marizanne Kapp claimed 2/22 in her four overs, decimating the home top order in her two first overs. Photo: Cricket South Africa
Photo 3 Caption: Debutant Seshnie Naidu made a fine entry to the game, taking 1/25 in three overs alongside Tumi Sekhukhune’s exceptional 2/15 in 3. Photo: Cricket South Africa
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
