Decider in Multan Seals 2-1 Series Win for South Africa
South Africa outclassed Pakistan in the deciding match of the Women’s T20I series at Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday, September 20, 2024, claiming the series 2-1. The Proteas chased down Pakistan’s target of 154 with ease, winning by eight wickets and cementing their dominance in the final match.
After being put into bat, Pakistan posted 153 for 5 in their 20 overs. Openers Muneeba Ali (33) and Gull Feroza (18) got off to a strong start, putting together 50 runs for the first wicket. However, their momentum slowed as both openers were dismissed in quick succession. Sidra Amin (37) played a key role in steadying the innings, while skipper Fatima Sana, recovering from a concussion, added a quickfire 27 off 17 balls to boost Pakistan’s total.
South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Tumi Sukhukhune, Chloe Tryon, and Sune Luus, who each claimed a wicket, managed to keep Pakistan’s batters in check. Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba took the crucial wicket of Nida Dar, who looked dangerous but was bowled for 12 off seven balls.
Wolvaardt and Bosch Power South Africa’s Chase
South Africa’s chase started shakily with the early loss of Tazmin Brits, dismissed by Sadia Iqbal in the first over. However, captain Laura Wolvaardt (45) and Anneke Bosch (46) quickly put South Africa back on track with a match-winning 100-run partnership. Bosch retired hurt just shy of her half-century due to the extreme heat in Multan, but her efforts, along with Wolvaardt’s solid knock, set the stage for the victory.
Annerie Dercksen played a crucial role, smashing 44* off 23 balls in the final overs. Along with Sune Luus (14*), Dercksen ensured South Africa reached the target with nine balls to spare.
Missed Opportunities for Pakistan
Pakistan’s bowling lacked the intensity needed to defend their total, despite an early breakthrough. Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, and Nida Dar struggled to find a rhythm on the slow surface. At the same time, spinners Tuba Hassan and Nashra Sandhu remained economical but were not enough to halt South Africa’s chase.
Fielding lapses also cost Pakistan, including a crucial dropped catch of Dercksen when she was on 7, allowing her to finish the game in style. Pakistan’s head coach will be keen to address these concerns ahead of future matches.
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South Africa’s Perfect Tune-Up for T20 World Cup
This victory not only gave South Africa the series but also served as an ideal preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE. Their ability to use their feet against spin and adaptability in difficult conditions was fully displayed. The Proteas will look to build on this momentum as they head into the global tournament.
South Africa’s Captain Laura Wolvaardt Reflects on Series Win and Future Preparations.
South Africa’s captain Wolvaardt said that winning this series before the World Cup is great for us, but there are still many things that need to be worked on. The people of Multan are very nice.
Speaking during a media talk at the Multan Cricket Stadium, South African player Anneke Bosch said that this victory is important before the World Cup. Winning the series is good for us, but there are still many areas we need to improve. The people of Multan are very welcoming, but the city is extremely hot. Playing in Multan is challenging.
Captain Fatima Sana Acknowledges Fielding Errors.
In a press conference at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team captain Fatima Sana said that when crucial catches are dropped, the result is inevitable. We played well, but the South African team also performed brilliantly and won. The pitches are flat, and if catches are dropped at critical moments, this is what happens. We are trying new things in this series as part of our preparations for the major event, and this will build confidence within the team ahead of the World Cup. Previously, there were gaps in our batting, but we have worked on filling those. We’ve observed that our fielding is not up to the mark, and we will improve it. Team meetings will include discussions on this, but overall, the team’s energy is very positive.
Pakistan and South Africa Women’s Teams Arrive in Lahore via Chartered Flight
Both the Pakistan and South Africa women’s cricket teams have reached Lahore via a chartered flight from Multan. The teams are gearing up for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in Dubai.
The South African women’s team will depart from Lahore tomorrow morning to head to Dubai, where they will continue their final preparations for the World Cup. This victory-filled series against Pakistan has provided them with valuable momentum, but the team remains focused on addressing areas for improvement ahead of the global tournament.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team, led by captain Fatima Sana, will leave for Dubai on September 23. The team is entering the tournament with a positive mindset, determined to improve their fielding and build on the batting improvements seen during the recent series against South Africa.
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is set to kick off on October 3, where teams from around the world will compete for the prestigious title. Both Pakistan and South Africa are expected to be strong contenders in the competition.
Conclusion:
With this commanding victory, South Africa has proven their strength ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup, while Pakistan will need to regroup and address key areas, including fielding and middle-order batting, as they prepare for their next challenges.
