The 1st T20I between Pakistan Women and South Africa Women in Potchefstroom delivered a last-ball thriller that perfectly showcased the drama of Women’s T20I cricket. Under clear skies and with a lively crowd in attendance, the contest swung back and forth before South Africa Women clinched a five-wicket victory with zero balls remaining, chasing down a challenging target in a pulsating finish.
Pakistan Women began their innings with positive intent, but the momentum ebbed and flowed right from the Powerplay. The opening partnership between Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali yielded 16 runs before the first breakthrough arrived at 1-16 in 2.3 overs, when Gull Feroza (13 off 10, 2 fours) was dismissed by Kayla Reyneke. Soon after, Pakistan stumbled further as Ayesha Zafar (9 off 6, 2 fours) fell at 2-25 in 3.3 overs, caught off Ayanda Hlubi. The pressure intensified when Sidra Amin was trapped lbw by Hlubi for a duck at 3-25 in 3.4 overs, leaving Pakistan reeling early.
Muneeba Ali (16 off 16) tried to stabilize alongside Natalia Pervaiz, and the pair stitched together a 22-run stand before Muneeba departed at 4-47 in 6.5 overs, caught off Nonkululeko Mlaba. Natalia Pervaiz then attempted to rebuild with Umm-e-Hani, adding 17 runs, but Reyneke struck again to remove Pervaiz for 20 (17 balls, 3 fours) at 5-64 in 9.2 overs. When Aliya Riaz fell lbw to Mlaba for 0 at 6-64 in 9.4 overs, Pakistan were in deep trouble.
The innings turned dramatically in the latter half thanks to a stunning counterattack from captain Fatima Sana. Walking in under pressure, she launched a breathtaking assault, smashing 90 off just 41 balls, including 9 fours and 7 sixes at a strike rate of 219.51. She found brief support from Nashra Sandhu (9 off 7), adding crucial runs in a 17-run partnership before Nashra was run out at 8-155 in 18.4 overs. Fatima continued her onslaught, pushing Pakistan to 180/9 in 20 overs, before falling at 9-180 in 19.6 overs. South Africa’s bowling effort was led by Ayanda Hlubi (3/41), while Kayla Reyneke (2/13) was highly economical. Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/40) provided key middle-over breakthroughs, and Ayabonga Khaka (1/49) chipped in with an early wicket. Annerie Dercksen bowled two overs for 25 runs, while Sune Luus delivered a tight three-over spell conceding just 11 runs.
Chasing 181, South Africa Women responded with intent. Tazmin Brits (16 off 14) and Sune Luus put on 25 for the first wicket before Brits was caught off Humna Bilal at 1-25 in 3.1 overs. Luus (32 off 20, 5 fours) then partnered with captain Laura Wolvaardt in a commanding 62-run stand, taking the score to 2-87 in 8.5 overs before Luus fell to Nashra Sandhu. Wolvaardt anchored the chase beautifully, crafting 61 off 38 balls (8 fours, 1 six), and shared a 46-run partnership with Lara Goodall before being stumped at 3-133 in 14.1 overs.
The drama intensified late in the innings. Dane van Niekerk (16) and Goodall (11) fell in quick succession, reducing South Africa to 5-147 in 15.6 overs. However, Annerie Dercksen (9*) and Kayla Reyneke (29* off 16, 3 sixes) held their nerve in a decisive unbroken 38-run partnership. Reyneke’s late flourish proved match-defining as South Africa reached 185/5 in 20 overs, sealing victory on the final delivery.
For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu stood out with 2/27, while Humna Bilal (1/32) and Ayesha Zafar (1/24) provided support. Sadia Iqbal bowled economically (0/30), and Fatima Sana, Umm-e-Hani, and others chipped in but couldn’t contain the late surge.
In the end, this PAK-W vs SA-W T20I match report will be remembered for Fatima Sana’s explosive innings and South Africa Women’s composed chase under pressure. It was a thrilling example of modern Women’s international T20 cricket, filled with momentum shifts, impactful partnerships, and a finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.