South Africa Women secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after edging out Pakistan by 16 runs in a thrilling high-scoring encounter at SuperSport Park.
Despite the loss, Pakistan made history by registering 345 all-out, their highest-ever total in the format, surpassing their previous best of 335.
South Africa set a massive target of 362, fueled by a brilliant 90 from Annerie Dercksen and 77 from Tazmin Brits. Dercksen’s all-round brilliance proved decisive as she also claimed three wickets, earning the Player of the Match award.
Pakistan’s chase was led by half-centuries from Ayesha Zafar (75), Sadaf Shamas (61) and captain Fatima Sana (52).
Reflecting on the tense finish, South African captain Laura Wolvaardt called it a “crazy game of cricket” and admitted it was “definitely a little bit close for comfort at the end.”
She praised the batting surface, noting that “Pakistan batted really well on what turned out to be a belter of a wicket.”
Pakistan’s skipper, Fatima Sana, took pride in the batting effort but highlighted areas for growth. “I think the batters put in a strong effort; however, we know that our bowling wasn’t up to the mark,” she said.
Sana added with regret, “Personally, I felt that if I had been there till the end to finish the game, it would have made a difference.”
The two teams will meet for the final ODI in Durban on March 1.
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