Fatima Sana puts on an all-round show to get a consolation win over South Africa
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana did all she could to ensure that her team did not leave Benoni winless, and did her efforts paid off well!
Fatima transpires a consolation win for Pak
While the game was a dead rubber, as South Africa had already won the first two matches, Fatima’s clinical performance to almost single-handedly win the contest gave the side a much-needed boost.
Both Pakistan openers, Muneeba Ali and Gul Feroza, returned to the hut without disturbing the scorers. Ayesha Zafar and Sidra Amin showed some resistance, but South Africa were incredibly sharp with the ball and in the field.
The hosts effected four run-outs, leaving the visitors reeling at 72 for 5 in 11.2 overs. However, Fatima, with Aliya Riaz’s support at the other end, scored an unbeaten 47 off 30 balls, steering Pakistan to a defendable total of 144.
Fatima and Sadia kept things tight during the chase
South Africa could not quite recover after that. The Pakistan captain dismissed Tazmin Brits in the first over. Joining the charge, Sadia Iqbal grabbed two wickets in her first over, sending Lara Goodall and Dane van Niekerk back in quick succession.
After all she had done during the game, it was only fitting that Fatima ended South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s innings. By the end of the powerplay, South Africa were hanging on at 41 for 4. Annerie Dercksen and Nadine de Klerk stitched together a sluggish 65-run partnership, but it did little to help them in the face of a daunting target and an equally disciplined bowling attack.
Three run-outs, a wicket from Sadia Iqbal, and the absence of Marizanne Kapp ultimately hurt South Africa, as Pakistan sealed the game by 53 runs.
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