Pakistan Women signed off the T20I leg of their 2026 tour of South Africa with a spirited 53-run victory over South Africa Women in the third and final match at Diamond Oval. After losing the first two games, the visitors produced a clinical all-round performance to avoid a series whitewash, riding on a stunning display from Fatima Sana, who was deservedly named a
Despite the defeat, South Africa had already sealed the three-match T20I series 2-1, having won the opening contest by five wickets and the second by six wickets. However, Pakistan’s emphatic response in the final game gave them valuable momentum heading into the ODI leg.
Fatima Sana powers Pakistan to competitive total
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan Women endured a shaky start. Openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza were dismissed without scoring, leaving the visitors in early trouble. Ayesha Zafar (19 off 21) and Sidra Ameen (26 off 25) attempted to stabilise the innings, but South Africa’s disciplined bowling kept the scoring rate in check.
The innings turned dramatically in the latter half thanks to a counter-attacking knock from Sana. Walking in under pressure, she smashed 47 runs off just 30 deliveries, striking four boundaries and two towering sixes. Her aggressive stroke play shifted the momentum and propelled Pakistan to a respectable 144/7 in 20 overs.
Among the South African bowlers, Nonkululeko Mlaba delivered a tidy spell of 1 for 22 in four overs, while Ayabonga Khaka also chipped in with a wicket. Although Marizanne Kapp was economical, conceding just 11 runs in her three overs, the Proteas couldn’t contain Pakistan’s late surge.
Pakistan bowlers dismantle South Africa’s chase
Chasing 145, South Africa Women faltered from the outset. Tazmin Brits fell for a duck, and Dane van Niekerk was dismissed cheaply, putting the hosts on the back foot. While Nadine de Klerk (27 off 30) and Annerie Dercksen (30 off 38) attempted to rebuild the innings, the required rate kept climbing as Pakistan’s bowlers applied relentless pressure.
Sadia Iqbal was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 18 runs in 3.5 overs. Sana once again made her presence felt, picking up 2 for 12 in her three overs and breaking crucial partnerships. Zafar also contributed with a key wicket during her economical spell.
South Africa were eventually bowled out for just 91 in 16.5 overs, falling well short of the target and handing Pakistan a comprehensive 53-run victory.
While South Africa Women claimed the T20I series 2-1, Pakistan’s dominant win in the final match offers renewed confidence ahead of the 50-over format. The two sides will next meet in the first ODI at Mangaung Oval on Sunday, February 22.
CHAMPIONS! 🏆#TheProteas wrap up a sensational T20I series with a 2-1 victory over Pakistan Women! 🏏🇿🇦
Well contested from start to finish, delivering remarkable action every step of the way. 👏💪#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/PcmT8xGxeu
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) February 16, 2026
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
