South Africa won a close, yet thrilling 16 run victory over Pakistan in the ICC Women’s Championship series One Day International at SuperSport Park and gained a solid 2-0 lead in a three game series.
Despite intense moments of pressure during the series, the hosts held their nerve to clinch the series with a match to spare.
Brits and Dercksen Power Proteas to 360
After making the decision to bat, the Proteas made a confident start. Laura Wolvaardt (20) and Tasmin Brits (77) laid the foundation well and Brits was maintaining the momentum with a brisk 77 off 62 deliveries.
Following Wolvaardt’s dismissal and the brief stay of Faye Tunnicliffe for 7, the middle order took a stand.
Sune Luus compiled a measured 57 but it was Annerie Dercksen who was dominant in the latter part of the innings. She smashed 90 off 68 balls hitting six boundaries and four sixes almost scoring a century.
Her partnership with Luus put South Africa in a position of power. Nadine de Klerk added some impetus late on, stumbling Pakistan’s bowling discipline in the process. The hosts scored a daunting 360.
Pakistan’s Lively chase fell short
Chasing a record 361, Pakistan stumbled in the early stages at 24 runs for 2 wickets (after Dercksen removed Muneeba). However, Sadaf Shamas and Ayesha Zafar rebuilt with a disciplined courageous 97 runs stand.
South Africa’s lapses in fielding (30 extras and 24 wides) added to the problems faced by the visitors.
Fatima Sana then restarted the hope with a counterattacking 52 runs from just 36 balls tilting the momentum towards Pakistan for a while.
Despite a valiant attempt, Pakistan were bowled out for 345 in the penultimate over falling 16 runs short.
The teams now head for Durban for the last ODI on Sunday.
Also read: Why ICC reprimand Sidra Amin during ODI against South Africa?
