Proteas Women clinch Pakistan T20I series

Ayabonga Khaka and Laura Wolvaardt delivered standout performances as the Proteas Women secured a six-wicket win over Pakistan in the second T20I in Benoni on Friday.

Khaka returned 3-10 in her two overs to help restrict Pakistan to 100-9 in a rain-reduced 14-over contest, before Wolvaardt top-scored with an unbeaten 40* off 29 balls as South Africa took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

After a delay of almost two hours due to inclement weather, the hosts won the toss and opted to bowl. The opening seam pair of Marizanne Kapp (1-25) and Masabata Klaas (2-14) removed three of Pakistan’s top four batsmen. Muneeba Ali (12) was bowled by Kapp, before Klaas dismissed Gull Feroza (four) and Eyman Fatima (nought) to leave the visitors 28-3 in the revised powerplay.

Pakistan slipped further when wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta ran out Zafar, reducing them to 61-5 after eight overs.

Disciplined bowling continued as Kayla Reyneke (1-16) claimed her third international wicket by dismissing Fatima Sana (nine), before Nonkululeko Mlaba (1-16) bowled Tuba Hassan (five).

Heading into the final three overs on 78-7, Pakistan added 22 valuable runs despite a double strike from Khaka in the penultimate over, finishing on 100-9.

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Chasing 101 for victory, the Proteas Women made a solid start through Tazmin Brits (29) and Suné Luus (13), racing to 30-0 in the fourth over before Luus was trapped lbw by Sadia Iqbal (2-15).

The breakthrough did little to slow the momentum as Brits and captain Wolvaardt shared a 36-run stand for the second wicket to put the hosts in control.

Iqbal struck again to have Brits caught in the deep, while Dané van Niekerk (three) was dismissed lbw soon after to leave South Africa 71-3 after 10 overs.

Needing 30 from the final four overs, Wolvaardt remained composed, adding 29 with Kapp (nine) before she and Nadine de Klerk (four not out) sealed victory with four balls to spare.

The third and final T20I will take place on Monday in Benoni.