Kayla Reyneke enjoyed a dream debut with bat and ball as the Proteas Women secured a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20I in Potchefstroom on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old returned the best bowling figures by a Proteas Women debutant, claiming 2-13 in her four overs as Pakistan posted 180-9, built around a career-best 90 off 41 balls from Fatima Sana.

Reyneke then capped a memorable night with an unbeaten 29 off 16 balls, including three sixes, as South Africa completed a tense chase off the final delivery. Captain Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with 61 off 38 balls.

After being sent in to bowl, the hosts struck early. Reyneke claimed her maiden international wicket when she bowled Gull Feroza (13), before Ayanda Hlubi (3-41) removed two batters in two balls to reduce Pakistan to 46-3 in the powerplay.

Reyneke struck again to dismiss Natalia Pervaiz (20), while Nonkululeko Mlaba (2-40) accounted for Muneeba Ali (16) and Aliya Riaz (nought) as Pakistan slipped to 64-6 after 10 overs.

A half-century stand between Umm-e-Hani and Sana revived the innings, and Sana’s late onslaught carried Pakistan to a competitive total before she fell off the final ball.

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In reply, Tazmin Brits (16) and Suné Luus (32) put on 25 for the first wicket before Wolvaardt and Luus added impetus. Wolvaardt shared 46 with Dané van Niekerk (16) to keep the chase on track.

At 147-5 after 16 overs, the game hung in the balance, but Reyneke and Annerie Dercksen (nine not out) combined in an unbroken 38-run stand, with the debutant striking the winning runs off the final ball.

The second T20I will be played on Friday at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images