The ended in a six-wicket victory for the hosts at Willowmoore Park on Friday, as Ayabonga Khaka’s decisive spell and Laura Wolvaardt’s unbeaten knock steered South Africa to an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
In a rain-curtailed contest reduced to 14 overs per side, South Africa chased down a target of 101 with four balls to spare. The win followed a disciplined bowling effort that restricted Pakistan to 100 for 9.
Put into chase, South Africa began cautiously. Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus added 30 runs before Luus fell lbw to Sadia Iqbal. However, Brits continued to find boundaries while Wolvaardt anchored the innings.
The pair stitched together a 36-run partnership for the second wicket, keeping the required rate under control. Although Pakistan struck back in the middle overs by removing Brits and Dane van Niekerk, the chase never slipped beyond reach.
With 30 needed from the final four overs, Wolvaardt remained composed. She rotated the strike smartly and found gaps at crucial moments. A steady stand with Marizanne Kapp further reduced the pressure before Nadine de Klerk sealed the win with a boundary in the 13.2nd over.
South Africa vs Pakistan Second T20I: Khaka’s Late Burst
Earlier in the South Africa vs Pakistan second T20I, the hosts opted to field after the match was shortened by rain. Their bowlers responded with early breakthroughs.
Marizanne Kapp dismissed Muneeba Ali, while Masabata Klaas removed Gull Feroza and Eyman Fatima. Pakistan slipped to 28 for 3 during the revised powerplay, putting them on the back foot.
A run-out soon compounded their struggles. The disciplined attack maintained pressure through the middle overs, with Kayla Reyneke and Nonkululeko Mlaba contributing tidy spells.
Ayabonga Khaka then delivered the decisive blows at the death. Her incisive three-wicket burst ensured Pakistan could not build momentum. Despite scoring 22 runs in the final three overs, Pakistan fell short of a competitive total.
Khaka’s performance underlined South Africa’s control throughout the contest. Meanwhile, Wolvaardt’s unbeaten 40 off 29 balls provided the stability required in a shortened chase.
With this result, South Africa secured the three-match series 2-0, leaving Pakistan searching for positives ahead of the final fixture.
