In a thrilling encounter of the Pakistan Women’s tour of South Africa 2026, cricket fans at Kimberley were treated to a high-scoring spectacle as South Africa Women Emerging edged past Pakistan Women in a dramatic one-wicket victory with 14 balls remaining. The contest had everything, commanding partnerships, a brilliant century, disciplined bowling spells, and a tense finish that kept the result hanging until the final overs.
After being asked to bat, Pakistan Women began steadily but lost their first wicket at 50 in 9.2 overs when Sadaf Shamas departed for 30 off 39 balls, caught after striking five boundaries. Earlier, skipper Muneeba Ali had contributed 24 from 30 deliveries before falling at 72 in the 14.3rd over, leaving Pakistan two down. The innings, however, was anchored superbly by Ayesha Zafar, who produced a scintillating 95 off just 68 balls, smashing 12 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 139.70. Her aggressive stroke play shifted momentum and built a crucial 130-run third wicket stand with Sidra Amin, who compiled a composed 50 from 68 balls before retiring out at 235 in the 36.6th over.
With the platform set, Natalia Pervaiz added a brisk 33 off 26 balls, including three fours and a six, but Pakistan lost wickets in quick succession between overs 40 and 42. At 269, both Natalia (40.3 overs) and Fatima Sana (40.4 overs) were dismissed, the latter falling for a first-ball duck. Aliya Riaz chipped in with an important 37 from 31 deliveries, but once she was removed at 307 in the 47.5th over, the tail couldn’t add further momentum. Umm-e-Hani (5), Syeda Aroob Shah (7), and Diana Baig (1) fell as South Africa Emerging wrapped up the innings at 307 in 48.1 overs.
For South Africa Emerging, Kayla Reyneke was outstanding with the ball, claiming 5 wickets for 41 runs in her 9 overs at an economy of 4.55. She found consistent breakthroughs during the death overs. Nthabiseng Nini (2/29) and Nondumiso Shangase (2/18 in 4.1 overs) provided vital support, while Leah Jones, Tumi Sekhukhune, Fay Cowling, Michaela Andrews, Kgomotso Rapoo, and Miane Smit bowled disciplined spells despite going wicketless in phases.
Chasing 308, South Africa Emerging began with purpose. Miane Smit set the tone with 36 off 33 balls before falling at 48 in 7.5 overs to Fatima Sana. At 55 in 10.4 overs, Simone Lourens departed for 1, but the innings transformed through a magnificent 135-run partnership between Faye Tunnicliffe and Nondumiso Shangase. Tunnicliffe played a match-defining knock of 109 from 88 balls, peppering the boundary 15 times and clearing it once. Shangase contributed 51 off 58 deliveries, steadying the middle overs before being dismissed at 190 in 29.6 overs.
The chase wobbled when wickets fell at 222 (Tunnicliffe, 34.6 overs) and 268 (Tebogo Macheke, 40.6 overs), but Anneke Bosch held her nerve magnificently. Her unbeaten 74 from 56 balls, studded with 13 boundaries, ensured the required run rate stayed manageable. Contributions from Tebogo Macheke (24), Kayla Reyneke (5), Leah Jones (1), and Fay Cowling (1) came amid mounting pressure. When Michaela Andrews was run out at 298 in 46.2 overs, the tension peaked, but Bosch and Kgomotso Rapoo (1*) guided the team over the line to 308/9 in 47.4 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers fought hard. Umm-e-Hani was the pick with 3 for 37 in 7 overs, while Fatima Sana (2/37) and Nashra Sandhu (2/60) kept striking at key moments. Tasmia Rubab chipped in with 1/22, and although Diana Baig, Syeda Aroob Shah, Ayesha Zafar, and Sadaf Shamas were economical in patches, the target ultimately proved just short of being defended.
This high-scoring women’s cricket clash will be remembered for Faye Tunnicliffe’s century, Ayesha Zafar’s explosive 95, and Anneke Bosch’s match-winning composure, making for a thrilling finish.
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