Debutant Kayla Reyneke’s Last-Ball Six Sinks Pakistan Despite Fatima Sana’s Blazing 90

Debutant Kayla Reyneke produced a stunning all-round performance to guide South Africa to a thrilling last-ball victory over Pakistan in the first T20I at Potchefstroom, overshadowing a remarkable 90 from Pakistan captain Fatima Sana.

Sana’s explosive 90 off just 41 balls — her maiden T20I half-century — went in vain as South Africa completed their highest successful run chase in Women’s T20Is, the third-highest overall in the format. Pakistan posted 180 for 9, their second-highest total in T20Is, largely thanks to Sana’s late assault from No. 8.

Rescuing her side from a precarious 64 for 6, Sana hammered seven sixes and nine fours in a breathtaking counterattack. The next-best contribution came from Natalia Pervaiz, who managed 20, underlining the extent of Sana’s lone battle. Her 90 is now the highest individual score in women’s T20Is by a batter positioned at No. 7 or lower.

However, South Africa found their hero in 20-year-old Reyneke, who was playing her first international match. The former South Africa Under-19 captain made an impact with both ball and bat to earn Player of the Match honours.

Reyneke first played a key role in restricting Pakistan, returning figures of 2 for 13 in her four overs. She dismissed opener Gull Feroza for 13 and later removed Pervaiz to keep Pakistan from building sustained partnerships.

Chasing 181, South Africa appeared to be cruising at 133 for 2, with captain Laura Wolvaardt leading from the front. Wolvaardt struck 61 off 38 balls, adding 62 runs with Sune Luus for the second wicket and 46 with Dane van Niekerk for the third. But her stumping off Nashra Sandhu triggered a wobble, as the hosts lost three wickets for 14 runs in just 12 balls.

With the game hanging in the balance, Reyneke stepped up again. She smashed an unbeaten 29 off 16 deliveries, striking three sixes. A towering hit over long-on off Sana in the penultimate over left South Africa needing 10 from the final six balls.

Sana entrusted the last over to debutant seamer Humna Bilal. Reyneke drove a four off the third ball to reduce the target to four off three deliveries. After two singles left South Africa needing two off the final ball, Reyneke sealed the contest in emphatic fashion, launching the last delivery over extra cover for six to complete a dramatic win and give South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

With the T20 World Cup in England approaching in June, Reyneke’s performance could not have come at a better time. Upon announcing her maiden senior call-up, convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez had described her as “a talent to watch,” praising her growth in skill and maturity.