Laura Wolvaardt, Anneke Bosch, and Annerie Dercksen help South Africa win the series 2-1

With an eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the series finale, South Africa concluded their preparations for the Women’s T20 World Cup. This was also their joint-fifth-highest successful chase in T20Is.

In the intense heat, Anneke Bosch reached 154 and was four runs short of her fifth half-century in the format, but she had done enough to secure the win. With nine balls remaining, Laura Wolvaardt’s 45 and Annerie Dercksen’s undefeated 44 propelled South Africa to the goal.

Pakistan had a decent start to the series, but they lacked enthusiasm when the ball was in hand when playing during the warmest part of the day. Off Sadia Iqbal’s fourth delivery, Muneeba Ali produced a brilliant feat of wicket-keeping, stumping Tazmin Brits with her foot barely in the air. Sadia became the series’ top bowler with her sixth wicket, however she was not well-supported.

While Nida Dar was costly and Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan were economical, South Africa could handle them cautiously since runs were coming from other bowlers. Diana Baig and Fatima Sana were ineffectual on a sluggish surface.

The batters’ use of their feet against spin, which has been a worry for them in the past, was a highlight of South Africa’s chase. South Africa is well-positioned for the T20 World Cup in the UAE next month because to the usual excellent down the ground play of Wolvaardt and the early scoring areas of Bosch and Dercksen.

Third women’s T20I between Pakistan and South Africa, Multan, September 20, 2024; Anneke Bosch opened the scoring with 46 before pulling out due to injury.

Before retiring injured, Anneke Bosch set up South Africa’s pursuit with 46.

After missing the chance to post a higher total after a promising start, Pakistan will feel in the opposite position. Muneeba and Gull Feroza scored 49 during the powerplay, but within the following over, they were separated. Gull took a great catch when he chipped a return chance to Sune Luus, who has been bowling offspin since the mid-year tour of India. After Muneeba was out after two overs, Pakistan required the middle order to rebuild.

Former captain Nida Dar is currently only behind Bismah Mahroof as the second-highest run scorer for Pakistan in Twenty20 international cricket. When Nadine de Klerk dropped her at deep mid-wicket on 10, it was a lifeline for her. However, Dar was bowled after creating room to play for turn against Nonkululekho Mlaba, having only contributed two more runs to her total. In a 46-run fourth-wicket stand with Sidra Amin, Fatima Sana’s 17-ball 27 was the main factor, setting Pakistan up for a good finish. However, once she was removed, they found it difficult to score quickly.

Chloe Tryon’s left-arm spin was very challenging to escape. She finished with stats of 1 for 23 in four overs, having bowled the 16th and 19th overs and conceded just 11 runs. Luus let up just 18 runs in her four overs, making her the most economical bowler in South Africa. Significantly, South Africa’s attack managed to contain Pakistan even without Ayabonga Khaka and Marizanne Kapp, who were rested from the series’ second and third games.

Both teams still have issues with fielding, but Pakistan suffered more in the end. She was able to complete the game when they put Dercksen down on 7. South Africa was responsible for six of the nine catches that were put down over the three games, according to ball-by-ball data from.

Also Read: PAK-W vs SA-W 2024, 3rd T20I review: South Africa clinches series 2-1 after winning the last T20I

In Dubai, both teams will want to improve their decision-making when under the high ball, particularly in low light conditions.