Pakistan break eight-year drought with confidence-boosting victory
Opener Sidra Ameen contributed a classy 61 at the top of the order as Pakistan successfully chased down South Africa's total of 150/3 with five balls remaining.
It was the second match in a row that Pakistan has chased a victory target in excess of 150 and this time it meant the Asian side opened up an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game T20I series.
Back-to-back successful chases for Pakistan 🙌
— ICC (@ICC) September 3, 2023
They take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series against South Africa 👏
📝 #PAKvSA: https://t.co/x0SQrSpYJR | 📸: @TheRealPCB pic.twitter.com/POdcoWqcfK
It is just the second occasion that Pakistan's women's team have defeated South Africa in a bilateral T20I series and the first time they have managed the feat since March 2015.
Pakistan received a welcome contribution from a host of their stars, with former captain Bismah Maroof (27), Muneeba Ali (26*) and Aliya Riaz (31*) topping off the hard work of Ameen at the top of the order to ensure the victory.
.@SidraAmin31 is player of the match for her career-best score of 6️⃣1️⃣ 🏆#PAKWvSAW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/agyvqedInn
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 3, 2023
Openers Tazmin Brits (46) and Laura Wolvaardt (42) top-scored for South Africa, while left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/20) was the most effective bowler.
The third and final game of the series will be in Karachi on Monday.