Pakistan Women capped off the T20I segment of their 2026 tour in South Africa with a 53-run victory over South Africa Women in the third match at Diamond Oval. After losing the first two matches, Pakistan showcased a strong all-round performance to avoid a series whitewash, led by a remarkable effort from Fatima Sana, who earned the Player of the Match title.
Despite the loss, South Africa secured the T20I series 2-1, having won the first two matches by five wickets and six wickets. However, Pakistan’s strong finish in the final game gives them momentum heading into the ODI series.
Fatima Sana leads Pakistan to a solid score
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Pakistan Women faced a tough start. Openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza were dismissed for zero runs, leaving Pakistan in a challenging position. Ayesha Zafar (19 off 21) and Sidra Ameen (26 off 25) tried to stabilize the innings, but South Africa’s disciplined bowling kept runs to a minimum.
The game changed in the latter half, thanks to a counter-attacking innings from Sana, who scored 47 runs off 30 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes. Her aggressive play revived Pakistan’s innings, leading them to a total of 144/7 in 20 overs.
Among the South African bowlers, Nonkululeko Mlaba had an economical outing, taking 1 for 22 in four overs, while Ayabonga Khaka also claimed a wicket. Although Marizanne Kapp bowled well, conceding 11 runs in three overs, they couldn’t stop Pakistan’s late batting charge.
Pakistan bowlers dismantle South Africa’s chase
In pursuit of 145, South Africa Women struggled from the beginning. Tazmin Brits was out for a duck, and Dane van Niekerk was dismissed early, leaving the hosts in a tough spot. Nadine de Klerk (27 off 30) and Annerie Dercksen (30 off 38) tried to rebuild, but the required run rate kept increasing under the pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers.
Sadia Iqbal shone with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 18 runs in 3.5 overs. Sana contributed significantly again, with figures of 2 for 12 in her three overs, breaking important partnerships. Zafar also made an impact by taking a key wicket.
South Africa were eventually bowled out for just 91 runs in 16.5 overs, falling far short of their target and handing Pakistan a decisive 53-run win.
While South Africa Women took the T20I series 2-1, Pakistan’s impressive victory in the last match boosts their confidence as they prepare for the 50-over format. The two teams will meet again in the first ODI at Mangaung Oval on Sunday, February 22.
