With South Africa having already wrapped up the three-match series, the hosts still secured a 2-1 series victory despite the defeat. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, posting 144/7 in their allotted 20 overs. 

Captain Fatima Sana led from the front with an unbeaten 47, striking four fours and two sixes in a composed innings under pressure. Sidra Amin and Aliya Riaz both chipped in with 26 off 25 balls, although both were run out as South Africa’s sharp fielding kept the visitors honest.

Proteas. Photo: CSA

Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp was South Africa’s standout with the ball, returning superb figures of 0/11 in three overs. However, there was a moment of concern when she left the field during her spell, briefly dampening the mood at the ground.

South Africa’s fielding was otherwise a major highlight, with no fewer than four Pakistani batters run out in a frantic innings that never quite settled.

In reply, though, the Proteas Women faltered. They were bundled out for just 91 in 16.5 overs – with Kapp not coming out to bat due to illness – as Pakistan’s bowlers turned the screws.

Annerie Dercksen. Photo: Morgan Piek

The top order failed to fire, leaving the middle order with too much to do. A patient 30 off 38 balls from Annerie Dercksen and 27 off 30 from Nadine de Klerk briefly revived hopes, the pair stitching together a partnership that steadied the innings and hinted at a fightback. Ultimately, however, a lack of meaningful partnerships and regular wickets proved decisive.

Sadia Iqbal (3/18) and Sana (2/12) were exceptional with the ball, while Ayesha Zafar kept things tight with 1/10 in two overs. The Proteas’ running between the wickets also left plenty to be desired, with Dercksen, Masabata Klaas, and Ayabonga Khaka all run out, taking the total number of run-outs in the match to a remarkable seven.

Proteas batting coach Baakier Abrahams admitted that losing early wickets made the chase an uphill battle.

Marizanne Kapp. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Losing that many wickets in the powerplay definitely put us on the back foot at the start,” said Abrahams.

“But the partnership between Annerie and Nadine really stabilised things and gave us a fighting chance. We still believed we could pull it off.

“Credit to Pakistan – they used their bowlers well and built pressure at a crucial stage when we were looking to kick on. It wasn’t meant to be in the end, but I’m really proud of how the girls approached the series from a batting point of view. Well done to them.”

Abrahams also moved to quash concerns around Kapp, explaining that her withdrawal was purely precautionary with a big 50-over assignment looming.

Nadine de Klerk. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Kappy unfortunately fell ill during her bowling spell,” Abrahams added.

“After the medical assessment, the team decided to err on the side of caution and put player welfare first.

“She was ready to continue, but with a big ODI series coming up, the medical staff felt it was best not to take any risks.”

Pakistan now heads back to Potchefstroom to face Emerging South Africa at the JB Marks Oval on Thursday – a fixture that was originally scheduled for Kimberley as well.

The Proteas, meanwhile, shift their focus to 50-over cricket, with the first ODI against Pakistan set to take place at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm