It was a tense, low-scoring encounter in the Midlands, with Pakistan restricted to a modest total before South Africa were forced to dig deep during a challenging run chase to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive. Pakistan’s innings got off to a disastrous start. 

Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp struck twice in the opening over to remove the dangerous Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza for one and a duck respectively.

Tuba Hassan along with captain Fatima Sana frustrated the South African bowlers. Photo: ICC

The wickets continued to tumble as Pakistan slumped to 33/6 in the eighth over, with South Africa appearing firmly in control and on course for a comfortable victory.

However, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana produced another determined innings, finishing unbeaten on 55 from just 28 balls, while Tuba Hassan contributed a valuable 23 off 27 deliveries. Their resistance helped Pakistan recover to 126/9 from their 20 overs.

Kapp was the standout bowler for South Africa with figures of 3/23, while Shabnim Ismail claimed 1/15 and Ayabonga Khaka returned 1/21.

South Africa’s chase began shakily. Captain Laura Wolvaardt fell for eight, while Suné Luus managed only five as the Proteas found themselves under early pressure.

Kapp was unable to back up her efforts with the ball, contributing just 10 runs with the bat.

Annerie Dercksen and Nadine de Klerk then steadied the innings and kept South Africa's hopes alive. Dercksen played a superb knock of 52 from 35 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes, while De Klerk added a crucial 37 from 28 deliveries, including six boundaries.

Marizanne Kapp and the Proteas celebrating a wicket from the first ball against Pakistan. Photo: ICC

Although the Proteas eventually crossed the line with 19 balls to spare, the result was far from comfortable as Pakistan kept fighting until the very end.

Following the victory, the former Free State all-rounder Dercksen admitted the team had once again made life difficult for themselves but was relieved to get the job done.

“Yeah, I said to the team, I'm probably going to die 30 years before I should because we have a knack of doing this,” Dercksen joked.

Ayabonga Khaka celebrates the wicket of Natalia Pervaiz. Photo: ICC

“But I think the main thing is that we ended up on the right side of the result. We've done it a couple of times in World Cups now, so credit to the team and credit to the players who came in and pulled that game through for us because, at one stage, the odds were probably stacked against us.

“So credit to Nadine, Chloe Tryon, Kayla Reyneke, Sinalo Jafta, and everyone who came in at the back end.”

Dercksen also praised Pakistan for their remarkable recovery after being reduced to 50/8. “I think our bowlers were exceptional to get them into that position on a wicket that suited spin and where our pace attack also operated really well,” she said.

Captain Fatima Sana scored 55* for Pakistan. Photo: ICC

“I've got to be honest, I went off for a bit because I had a slight hamstring tweak, so when I came back, they were still batting. But we were well aware of the threat posed by Fatima Sana. They toured South Africa earlier this year, and she's a phenomenal batter.

“Credit to both of them. They played exceptional innings. We'll review the game and see if there was anything we could have done better, but for now I have to give them credit and just be happy that we got the win.”

Next up for South Africa is an unbeaten India side, and Dercksen knows the challenge awaiting the Proteas will be a significant one.

Nadine de Klerk played an important knock of 37 to guide South Africa across the line. Photo: ICC

“We'll definitely have our plans in place,” she said.

“I think we've got a phenomenal batting line-up and hopefully we'll be able to build on what we did today. India have a quality batting line-up, and they're a quality team, so we'll definitely have to be at our best.”

Sunday's crucial clash between South Africa and India at Old Trafford in Manchester is scheduled to get underway at 15:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh