Fatima Sana Stars as Pakistan Clinch Consolation Win Over South Africa

Pakistan ended the T20I series against South Africa on a high with a commanding 53-run victory in the third match in Benoni on Monday, powered by a superb all-round display from Fatima Sana. Despite the defeat, South Africa secured the series 2-1, having wrapped it up in the second game.

Opting to bat after winning the toss, Pakistan found themselves in a tricky position at 68 for 5 in the 12th over. With the innings in need of stability and acceleration, Sana stepped up with a match-defining contribution.

Sana, Riaz Rescue Pakistan

Sana forged a crucial 70-run stand for the sixth wicket with Aliya Riaz, transforming the complexion of the contest. The partnership came off just 45 balls, injecting momentum into Pakistan’s innings at a pivotal stage.

Riaz made a valuable 26 off 25 deliveries before being run out, contributing 22 runs to the stand, while Sana provided the bulk of the firepower with 41 off just 23 balls during their alliance. Sana remained unbeaten on 47 from 30 deliveries, striking four boundaries and two sixes to propel Pakistan to 144 for 7.

South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba was the pick of the bowlers with 1 for 22.

Early Collapse Derails South Africa

Defending 145, Pakistan struck early and decisively. Within the first five overs, Sana and left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal dismantled South Africa’s top order.

Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Dane van Niekerk and captain Laura Wolvaardt were all back in the pavilion with the score reeling at 30 for 4. Sana’s pace and Iqbal’s accuracy ensured South Africa never gained a foothold in the chase.

A 55-run partnership between Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen briefly offered resistance. De Klerk scored 27 off 30 balls, while Dercksen made 30 off 38. However, the stand consumed 65 deliveries, and the required rate continued to climb.

When Dercksen and de Klerk fell in quick succession between the 15th and 16th overs, the outcome was effectively sealed. Iqbal finished with impressive figures of 3 for 18, including the final wicket, while Sana capped her performance with 2 for 12. South Africa were bowled out for 91 in the 17th over. Marizanne Kapp did not bat due to illness.

Series Moves to ODIs

Although Pakistan took the final T20I convincingly, South Africa claimed the three-match series 2-1. The teams will now turn their attention to a three-match ODI series, scheduled to be played in Bloemfontein (February 22), Centurion (February 25) and Durban (March 1).

For Pakistan, the emphatic victory provided a morale boost, with Sana’s leadership and all-round excellence standing out as the defining feature of the contest.