In a nail-biting encounter at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan women secured a thrilling victory over South Africa women in the first T20I of their three-match series. The match was so close that it forced all the fans to hold their breath until the last ball.
Winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bowl first. Under the leadership of their new captain, Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa posted a decent total of 150 runs in their 20 overs.
Tazmin Brits was the standout performer for the visitors, contributing 78 runs off 64 balls, with nine boundaries and one six. Wolvaardt chipped in with a valuable 44 off 38 balls. Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly at the death overs, displayed impressive skills to restrict South Africa from potentially reaching a higher score.
Pakistan’s reply began steadily, with Sidra Ameen (35) and Bismah Maroof (37) providing a solid foundation. As the game reached its end, Pakistan needed eight runs off the final six balls. The experienced Aliya Riyaz rose to the occasion, sealing the win as Pakistan triumphed by five wickets. This remarkable chase marked Pakistan’s highest-ever successful run chase in T20I cricket.
Aliya’s crucial contribution of 28 runs and Muneeba Ali’s 19 runs in the final stages proved pivotal in Pakistan’s historic victory. With a 1-0 lead in the series, the teams will return to the National Stadium on September 3 for the second match.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Pakistan’s historic win:
Nail Biting Match between Pakistan Women’s and South Africa Women’s cricket teams
Pak won by 5 wickets#SAvPAK #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/r9apATGBFP
— Technical Cricket (@TechnicalCric67) September 1, 2023
Now that was stupid. Both in men’s & women’s games #SAvAus #savpak
— Adv. Unni (@laxmipath) September 1, 2023
Why would you take a review there Dussen unless you were very sure about an inside edge#SAvPAK
— Naman🏏🥰 (@NamanShah2607) September 1, 2023
Well played PakW !! Larkian Jeet chuky Hein MUNDAY ke karan gy Kal?
— F. (@anonymouswho_) September 1, 2023
Great Win by PAKW@pcb #PAKvIND #PAKWvSAW
— Musaddiq Ali (@musaddaqal_i) September 1, 2023
Congratulations Pakw team🇮🇳🇮🇳#PAKWvSAW
— Vishal Kumar (@vishalkumar9000) September 1, 2023
1st T20i Between PAKW vs SAW at National Stadium Karachi.
Pakistan Women’s won by 5 Wkts
Congratulations Team Pakistan👏👏💪#BackOurGirls #PAKWvSAW
— ✨جمیل_احمد🌠🌠 (@Dewana_Dil786) September 1, 2023
Thumping win for #PakW!!! Aliya Riaz stepping up again when it mattered the most!!!#BackOurGirls#PAKWvSAW
— 🌸✨️ (@kdhr_muu_utha_k) September 1, 2023
Pak women have won against SA
PAKW has Chased 150+ in t20 the first time in history ❤️❤️
— iffi (@iffiViews) September 1, 2023
What a victory, well done PakW! 🇵🇰
— Ahmed (@azkhawaja) September 1, 2023
PakW About to defeat South Africa in a historical t20i#PAKWvSAW
— Mushaf Basra🇵🇰 (@MushafBasra95) September 1, 2023
#bismah you genius..proper cricketing brain.#pakw
— Janeman jaleebi.🌈🌈 (@AnonymousCbne) September 1, 2023