Pakistan’s women’s cricket team secured a sensational victory over South Africa’s women’s team in the first T20I, triumphing by five wickets in a heart-pounding final over.
Aliya Riaz emerged as the hero, smashing the winning runs on the last delivery of the game, enabling Pakistan’s women to complete their highest-ever successful T20I run chase.
Chasing the target of 151, Bismah Maroof was the top scorer for Pakistan, amassing 37 runs from 30 deliveries, closely followed by Sidra Ameen, who contributed 33 runs off 31 balls.
In the first innings, South Africa’s opening pair of Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits formed an impressive 85-run partnership before Wolvaardt was dismissed by Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu. Brits displayed exceptional batting prowess, accumulating 78 runs, including 10 boundaries, which greatly contributed to South Africa’s total of 150/3.
In the bowling department, Fatima Sana, Sadia Iqbal, and Nashra Sandhu each claimed one wicket for Pakistan. With this remarkable victory, Pakistan’s women’s team now leads the three-match T20I series 1-0, setting the stage for an exciting series ahead.
