South Africa clinched the series with a convincing six-wicket win in the second ODI match. Despite an impressive partnership between Fatima Sana and Aliya Riaz, the home team struggled to a below-par total of 168 in their first innings. South Africa comfortably chased down the target with a substantial 16 overs to spare.
Having won the toss, Nida Dar, the Pakistani captain, elected to bat first. However, Pakistan's opening pair of Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin failed to make an impact against the formidable South African bowling attack. Nadine de Klerk set the tone for her team's bowlers by taking the crucial wickets of Muneeba and Sadaf Shams on consecutive deliveries. In her following over, she dismissed Sidra as well.
Even experienced campaigners like Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar couldn't find their footing and were dismissed cheaply. It was the partnership of Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana that salvaged the innings. The duo forged an outstanding 114-run partnership, marking the highest seventh-wicket stand for Pakistan in ODIs. Fatima contributed 69 runs, while Aliya scored 53. This partnership was particularly crucial as Pakistan had been struggling at 49-6 before their partnership began. However, once their partnership was broken, Pakistan could only manage to add five more runs to their total.
Chasing a below-par target, South Africa made a solid start to their innings. Even though captain Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed after a 41-run partnership, the South African side remained comfortably ahead with Tazmin Brits and Lara Goodall at the crease. As the innings progressed, Pakistani spinners mounted a counterattack, keeping the scoring rate in check and taking wickets at regular intervals.
Despite Pakistan's spirited effort in the second innings, the team led by Wolvaardt reached their target with a significant 96 balls to spare.
The final ODI between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled for September 14, 2023, at 3:30 PM (PST).
Brief Scores:
South Africa won by 6 wickets with 96 balls remaining.
Pakistan: 168 all out in 44.2 overs (Fatima Sana 69, Aliya Riaz 53; Nadine de Klerk 4-32, Masabata Klaas 3-14).
South Africa: 169-4 in 34 overs (Tazmin Brits 45, Lara Goodall 36; Sadia Iqbal 2-32).
Player of the Match: Nadine de Klerk (South Africa).