Watch Highlights - Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana's record partnership in vain, South Africa takes 1-0 lead

The first T20I of South Africa Women’s tour of Pakistan kicked off at the Multan Cricket Stadium. South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, secured a 10 run victory against Pakistan, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Fans can further scroll down for highlights of the match.

After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bowl first, South Africa posted 132 for 4. In response, Pakistan’s late fightback fell short, finishing at 122 for 5.

Watch Highlights - Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana's record partnership in vain, South Africa takes 1-0 lead. PC: X — Watch Highlights – Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana’s record partnership in vain, South Africa takes 1-0 lead. PC: X

Highlights from the match:

1. Tazmin Brits – 56* (South Africa)

Tazmin Brits anchored the South African innings with a composed unbeaten 56 off 63 balls. Her steady knock held the innings together, building crucial partnerships, including a 47 run stand with Sune Luus. Despite a slow start, Brits’ innings ensured South Africa set a competitive total. For her crucial knock she was awarded Player of the match.

2. Sadia Iqbal – 3/34 (Pakistan)

Sadia Iqbal was Pakistan’s standout bowler, picking up three key wickets and conceding 34 runs in her four overs. She dismissed the proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt in the 3rd over for 11 runs, later in the same over she dismissed Anneke Bosch for duck, further broke the crucial partnership between Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus by dismissing Luus for 27 runs in the 18th over.

3. Aliya Riaz – 52* (Pakistan)

Aliya Riaz’s unbeaten 52 off 39 balls nearly turned the game in Pakistan’s favor. Coming in with the team struggling at 47 for 5, her counter-attacking innings, including five boundaries and a maximum, kept Pakistan’s hopes alive till the final overs.

4. Marizanne Kapp – 14 & 2/28 (South Africa)

Marizanne Kapp contributed 14 runs with the bat in the first innings adding valuable middle-order runs, In the second innings Kapp played a crucial role in South Africa’s bowling unit. Her disciplined bowling earned her two wickets, including the crucial dismissals of the Pakistani top order Gull Feroza for a duck and Sidra Ameen for 4 runs, providing an early breakthrough in the innings.

South Africa’s victory set the tone for the series, and both teams will be eager to make adjustments for the second T20I on September 18 at the same venue.