The first T20I between hosts South Africa and Pakistan in Potchefstroom was an absolute rollercoaster that set a high bar for the rest of the tour. Pakistan’s skipper Fatima Sana played the innings of a lifetime, smashing 90 off just 41 balls to drag her team to a competitive 180 after the top order had completely crumbled. It looked like Pakistan might pull off a heist, but South Africa showed why they are so tough to beat at home. Laura Wolvaardt anchored the chase with a classy 61, but the night truly belonged to young debutant Kayla Reyneke. She not only kept things tight with the ball but also showed nerves of steel to hit a six off the very last ball of the game, securing a thrilling five-wicket win for the Proteas.
Squads:
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Ameen, Humna Bilal, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Tuba Hassan, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Natalia Pervaiz, Aliya Riaz, Tasmia Rubab, Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sandhu, Umm-e-Hani, Ayesha Zafar
Players to watch out:
Kayla Reyneke
It was a debut to remember for the 20-year-old as she completely owned the spotlight, proving exactly why she was a former U19 captain. She started by stifling the Pakistan batters with the ball, finishing with incredible figures of 2/13 at a tiny economy of 3.25. However, her real heroics came at the very end of the chase where she held her nerve to score an unbeaten 29 off just 16 balls, including a massive six off the final delivery to seal a 5-wicket win.
Fatima Sana
The Pakistan skipper played what can only be described as a legendary knock, single-handedly pulling her team out of a massive hole. Walking in at number eight with the score at 64/6, she unleashed absolute carnage to score 90 runs off 41 balls, peppered with 9 fours and 7 sixes. Even though she ended up on the losing side after a tough final over with the ball, her strike rate of 219.51 and that record-breaking recovery gave Pakistan a total they almost defended.
Ayanda Hlubi
Hlubi provided the early sparks that initially put Pakistan on the back foot, showcasing her ability to strike in quick succession. She was the most successful wicket-taker for the Proteas in the opener, claiming 3 wickets for 41 runs in her three-over spell. Her highlights included removing both Ayesha Zafar and Sidra Amin in consecutive deliveries during the powerplay, a burst that left the visitors reeling early in the innings.
Nashra Sandhu
Nashra was the most effective bowler for Pakistan, using her experience to keep the South African middle order in check during a high-scoring chase. She finished her four overs with impressive figures of 2/27, maintaining an economy of 6.75 while others around her were being taken the distance. Her crucial wickets of Sune Luus and the dangerous Laura Wolvaardt (61) were the primary reason the game went down to the very last ball.
Pitch:
Willowmoore Park is widely regarded as a batting-friendly surface that offers consistent bounce, making it a favorite for aggressive stroke-makers. The track is typically firm and flat, allowing the ball to come onto the bat nicely, though the presence of green grass often provides seamers with early swing and movement with the new ball.
Weather:
In Benoni, the forecast indicates rain during the day followed by light rain at night. The high temperature will be 26°C with a low of 16°C. There is a 65% chance of precipitation during the day and an 80% chance at night, with northwest winds reaching 8 mph.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Laura Wolvaardt, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Suné Luus, Kayla Reyneke, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sandhu
Match Details:
Date – February 13, 2025
Time – 9:30 PM IST
Venue – Willowmoore Park, Benoni
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the Jio Hotstar app and website.
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