Twitter Reactions: South Africa clinch thriller to hand Pakistan third straight defeat

South Africa managed to come out on the top against Pakistan in the ninth match of 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup conducted at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. South African pacer Shabnim Ismail successfully defended nine runs off the final over to deny Pakistan a first victory in the tournament.

Winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl and had immediate success scalping two South-African batters at the score 21 inside the first ten overs. However, opener Laura Wolvaardt and skipper Sune Luus stiched a valuable partnership of 89 runs wickets for the third wicket, taking their side to 110/2 inside the 30th over mark. However, Africa then suffered another mini-collapse as they went from 110/2 to 120/5.

Pacer Fatima Sana was pick of the bowlers from Pakistan side

Despite Chloe Tryon and wicketkeeper-batter Trisha Chetty’s valuable scores of 31 each down the order, South Africa managed only 239/9 in their alloted 50 overs. For Pakistan, pacer Fatima Sana was pick of the bowlers, scalping three wickets in her 10 over quota. Leg-spinner Ghulam Fatima also scalped three wickets for her side giving away 52 runs in her nine overs. Bowlers Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu also scalped one wicket each.

Pakistan in their reply had a steady start as they scored 26 runs without losing a wicket. However the batting side suffered two major blows one after another with both opener Sidra Ameen and skipper Bismah Maroof falling on consecutive deliveries.

Pakistan remained in the chase despite a growing required run-rate because of valiant efforts of Omaima Sohail’s career-best 65 and Nida Dar’s ninth ODI half-century. However, it was too much to ask for the batters as they went close but not close enough, leaving them winless after three matches. Pacer Ismail, who managed to defend nine runs in the last over, was adjudged Player of the Match.

South Africa should also thank their stars after they went away with two points as they were very sloppy in the field. The side missed at least three run-out chances and were very sluggish in their batting as well.