South Africa now hold an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series, bagging valuable points in the ICC Women's Championship.

Batting first, South Africa piled on a massive 361/8 in their allotted 50 overs. All-rounder Annerie Dercksen starred with the bat, smashing 90 off just 68 balls, including six fours and four sixes.

Tazmin Brits - Morgan Piek

Tazmin Brits laid the foundation with a fluent 77 off 62 balls, while Suné Luus once again impressed with 57. At the death, Nadine de Klerk provided the late fireworks with 49 off 26.

In reply, Pakistan got off to a shaky start with the bat when the dangerous Muneeba Ali was bowled by Dercksen for 5 in the second over with the score on 14. The loss of Sidra Amin for 9 added further pressure, but Ayesha Zafar steadied the innings with a well-played 75 off 68.

Captain Fatima Sana showed plenty of fight with a solid 52 off 36, while Syeda Aroob Shah added 40 and Diana Baig chipped in with an unbeaten 38 off 25.

Ultimately, Pakistan were bowled out for 345 with just one ball remaining in their innings.

Dercksen also led the charge with the ball, finishing with 3/59 in her nine overs. Nondumiso Shangase returned figures of 2/30 in five overs, while Nonkululeko Mlaba and De Klerk picked up two wickets apiece.

Player of the Match Dercksen said it was a hugely entertaining contest, and the team were delighted to wrap up the series and secure crucial points.

Muneeba Ali and Annerie Dercksen - Morgan Piek

“It was a very good game - high-scoring on a really good batting wicket,” said the Beaufort West-born all-rounder.

“We’re very chuffed to have won the series. Bilaterals is something we’ve identified we want to improve on, so it’s great to get that right and secure the points on the world stage.

“I don’t think it has sunk in yet - I’m just very tired. But I’m happy to have contributed to the team. That’s the most important thing, that we won and managed to pull the game through.”

Muneeba Ali - Morgan Piek

Dercksen added that the solid platform upfront allowed the middle order to play with freedom.

“We had a good foundation, with a great 77 upfront, but then lost three quick wickets. Suné and I had to reassess and build a partnership.

“The plan was to get through to around the 35th over, work hard, and set it up for the back end so players like Chloe and Nadine could go for it. Fortunately, it came off for us.”

The third and final WODI will be played on Sunday at Kingsmead in Durban, with play scheduled to start at 10:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport