Pakistan won over South Africa

Despite a late fightback from Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon, Pakistan triumphed over South Africa by 13 runs in the second T20I in Multan, thanks to an impressive all-round performance from the hosts.

Pakistan 181 for 4 (Muneeba 45, Sana 37, Sekhukhune 2-30) beat South Africa 168 for 4 (Luus 53*, Tryon 30*, Sandhu 2-20, Iqbal 2-27) by 13 runs.

Left-arm spinners Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal delivered a clinical bowling performance, restricting South Africa’s run chase after Pakistan’s strong batting display. Luus and Tryon stitched together an unbroken 80-run partnership off just 42 balls—South Africa’s highest fifth-wicket stand in T20Is—but it wasn’t enough to secure victory.

Pakistan, after being put into bat, lost opener Gull Feroza early, but Muneeba Ali anchored the innings with a brisk 45 off 34 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes. Her partnership with Sidra Amin produced 49 runs, putting Pakistan in a strong position. After Muneeba’s dismissal, Nida Dar and captain Fatima Sana added a crucial 60-run stand to push Pakistan past 150. Aliya Riyaz then provided a late flourish, smashing 14 runs off the final three balls to lift Pakistan to a competitive total of 181.

South Africa’s chase began steadily, with captain Laura Wolvaardt contributing 36 and Anneke Bosch supporting her in a 50-run partnership. However, Iqbal and Sandhu’s disciplined bowling turned the tide. Iqbal struck early, dismissing Tazmin Britz, and then Sandhu took key wickets, including Wolvaardt, to put the pressure on the visitors.

With South Africa needing 94 from the final 42 balls, Luus and Tryon launched a counter-attack, regularly finding the boundary. Luus top-scored with an unbeaten 53 off 29 balls, while Tryon added 30 from 16, but Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve to seal the win and level the series.

Sandhu finished with 2 for 20, and Iqbal chipped in with 2 for 27, ensuring Pakistan kept the series alive heading into the decider.