As Pakistan gear up for the second T20I against South Africa at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, the series stands poised after a gripping opener at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. Asked to bat first, Pakistan posted an imposing 180 for 9 in their 20 overs, powered by captain Fatima Sana’s breathtaking 90 off 41 balls, an innings studded with boundaries that shifted momentum just when Pakistan appeared to be losing grip.
At one stage reduced to early trouble, Pakistan rebuilt through calculated partnerships before Fatima launched a late assault that pushed the total well beyond par. However, South Africa responded with composure, chasing down the target with 185 for 5 in 19.3 overs, capitalising on key partnerships in the middle overs to seal victory and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Despite the defeat, Pakistan’s performance with the bat — their highest T20I total on South African soil, offered plenty of positives as they head into the next contest at Benoni.
Fatima Sana
Fatima Sana stands out not just for her explosive batting, but as a genuine all-round force for Pakistan. In the first T20I, she showcased her devastating range with the bat, smashing 90 runs off just 41 deliveries and almost single-handedly fueled Pakistan to a competitive total. That innings demonstrated her ability to dominate international bowling attacks even in challenging conditions.
Fatima’s T20I career has been built on consistent contributions with both bat and ball. Across 50 T20Is, she has scored over 500 runs at an average of around 28 and has taken 41 wickets with her right-arm medium-pace bowling, making her one of Pakistan’s most valuable all-rounders. Her dual role as a leading batter and key bowler along with her leadership responsibilities makes her a central figure in Pakistan’s plans. If she can replicate her Potchefstroom heroics, Pakistan will have a strong chance of posting another challenging total or defending one.
Muneeba Ali
Opening the batting, Muneeba Ali provides Pakistan with stability and the ability to build big starts, which Pakistan desperately needs in unfamiliar South African conditions. In the first T20I, she scored a measured 16 runs off 16 balls, laying a foundation for Fatima’s onslaught. But her value extends far beyond one innings. Muneeba holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani woman to score a WT20I century, with an unbeaten 102 against Ireland at the Women’s T20 World Cup, and she has accumulated over 1,459 career T20I runs, reflecting her importance at the top of the order.
Her ability to bat deeply into an innings and play long, calculated knocks help Pakistan avoid early collapses, a critical factor in T20 cricket where momentum shifts quickly. If Muneeba can provide a solid start, it will boost Pakistan’s chances of posting a big target or chasing effectively under pressure.
Nashra Sandhu
While Pakistan’s seam bowlers carry plenty of threat, it was spinner Nashra Sandhu who stood out in the first T20I for her ability to disrupt the South African batting order. She finished with 2/27 in her four overs, providing crucial breakthroughs and stemming the flow of runs at vital junctures.
Spin has once again proven its value even in pitches that traditionally favour pace, and Nashra’s ability to extract turn and vary her pace makes her a constant danger in the middle overs. Against an opposition that includes aggressive hitters like Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus, Sandhu’s bowling will be essential in stemming partnerships and chipping away at the target.
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