Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, and Muneeba Ali helped Pakistan draw level

Pakistan levelled the series in Multan by winning the second Twenty20 International against South Africa thanks to a strong bowling performance by left-arm spinners Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal and a strong batting effort against the opposition.

The greatest fifth-wicket stand for South African women in Twenty20 Internationals, at 80 runs off 42 balls, was put up by Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon, although they were unable to take their side over the finish line.

Gull Feroza, Pakistan’s opener, was out in the fourth over after being put in. However, Muneeba Ali, her partner, gave Pakistan a strong start, enabling them to score 45 in the powerplay.

She and Sidra Amin shared a 49-run partnership, with her 45 from 34 balls including two sixes and six fours. Seshnie Naidu was targeted by Amin and Muneeba, who combined for four fours and a six against her. In the eleventh over, Annerie Dercksen eventually ejected Muneeba.

Pakistan’s total was over 150 thanks to a 60-run partnership between Nida Dar and captain Fatima Sana following Amin’s removal in the 13th over. Pakistan reached 181 thanks to the last touches made by Aliya Riyaz, who dismissed Ayanda Hlubi for 6, 4, 4 in the final three balls of the innings.

Iqbal then took Tazmin Britz early, but Laura Wolvaardt, the captain, got off to a good start, partnering with Anneke Bosch for 50 runs. When South Africa was in dire need of an over, Sandhu struck, getting rid of Wolvaardt for 36. Anneke Bosch and Nadine de Klerk were removed from the game as Iqbal and Sandhu claimed wickets in consecutive overs. Iqbal finished with two for twenty, while Sandhu finished with two for twenty.

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Tryon and Luus then joined forces as South Africa required 94 off 42 balls. They frequently hit limits, but they were unable to seal the deal for their team. Luus scored 53 off 29 balls, while Tryon smashed a 30-ball 16 balls later to bring Pakistan even.