In a nail-biting encounter, Pakistan Women emerged victorious against South Africa Women in the first match of the three-match Twenty20 International series. Aliya Riaz played a crucial cameo, scoring 27 runs off 25 balls, helping Pakistan secure a thrilling five-wicket win.
Pakistan Women began their chase of 151 runs on a positive note, despite losing opener Shawaal Zulfiqar early. Sidra Ameen (33 off 31) and Bismah Maroof (37 off 30) stabilised the innings with a partnership of 30 runs. However, Sidra got run out in the ninth over, followed by the dismissal of Nida Dar, the Pakistan captain, leaving the team in a difficult position at 66-3.
Former captain Bismah continued to anchor the innings with an impressive knock of 34 runs off 18 balls, in partnership with Aliya Riaz. However, when Bismah departed, Pakistan still needed 51 runs to win in less than seven overs. Aliya Riaz took charge and built a crucial 43-run partnership with Muneeba Ali (19 off 17). The game went down to the wire, with Pakistan needing eight runs in the final over. Aliya managed to score two singles and hit a four on the last ball of the match, leading Pakistan to a memorable victory.
In the first innings, South African openers Laura Wolvaardt (44 off 38) and Tazmin Brits (78 off 64) provided a solid start to their team after being put into bat by Pakistan. The duo put up a partnership of 85 runs for the first wicket, with Marizanne Kapp contributing a quickfire 19 off 13 balls to help South Africa set a target of 150-3.
This thrilling victory sets the stage for an exciting series between Pakistan Women and South Africa Women. The next two matches promise to be riveting contests, as both teams look to showcase their skills and determination to emerge victorious.