In a thrilling second T20 match of the series, held on September 18 in Multan, Pakistan overcame South Africa by 13 runs, leveling the series at 1-1. This match was particularly noteworthy as it saw Pakistan’s captain, Fatima Sana, unable to complete her innings following a concussion sustained while fielding. Despite this setback, the team rallied together to secure a remarkable victory, showcasing not only their resilience but also the exceptional performance of vice-captain Muniba Ali.
Matches Recap: A Rollercoaster Series
The T20 series commenced with South Africa taking an early lead by winning the first match. However, Pakistan’s determination shone through in the second match, highlighting their ability to bounce back under pressure. The game became even more critical for Pakistan as they faced the challenge of performing without their captain after her injury.
Muniba Ali: A Star Shines Bright
Muniba Ali’s commendable performance was a significant factor in Pakistan’s triumph. After winning the toss, South Africa opted to field first, and Ali, along with opening partner Gul Feroza, quickly laid the groundwork for a competitive total. Despite losing Feroza early, who scored 10 runs, Muniba found a reliable ally in Sidra Amin, forging a solid partnership worth 49 runs for the second wicket.
Outstanding Batting Performance
In this high-pressure match, left-handed batsman Muniba Ali scored a splendid 45 runs off just 34 balls, boasting a strike rate exceeding 132. Her innings was decorated with 6 fours and 2 sixes, demonstrating her aggressive yet calculated batting style. Spending only 44 minutes at the crease, Muniba laid a robust foundation, allowing her teammates to capitalize on the momentum she created.
Historic Team Score
Pakistan ended their innings with an impressive total of 181 runs for 4 wickets, marking their highest score in Women’s T20 Internationals to date. Each player contributed significantly; Nida Dar scored 29 runs off 21 balls, reaching the milestone of 2000 runs in her T20I career, while captain Fatima Sana, before her injury, added an unbeaten 37 runs off 23 balls. Alia Riaz played a crucial role in the final overs, scoring 17 runs off just 7 balls, including 2 fours and a six. The late bombardment saw Pakistan securing 60 runs in the last 5 overs, setting a formidable target for South Africa.
South Africa’s Response: A Struggle to Chase
Chasing a record total, South Africa’s innings started on a shaky note as they lost their first wicket for a mere 12 runs. Following a brief recovery with a half-century partnership, the South African team faced a collapse that saw them lose vital wickets in quick succession. Despite not losing more wickets towards the end, the team fell short in their chase, ending their innings at 168 runs for 4 wickets after 20 overs, leaving them 13 runs shy of victory.
Fatima Sana: A Tough Break
The unfortunate injury of Fatima Sana added an element of unpredictability to the match. The captain suffered a concussion when struck in the face while fielding, resulting in her immediate replacement by Tasmia Rubab. This unexpected turn of events thrust Muniba Ali into the captaincy role, where she not only led the team but also delivered an outstanding performance that earned her the Player of the Match award.
Conclusion: Team Resilience and Future Outlook
This match highlighted the resilience of the Pakistan women’s cricket team as they rallied together in the face of adversity. Muniba Ali’s exceptional performance, coupled with significant contributions from her teammates, set a positive tone for the remainder of the series. With the scoreline now level, fans eagerly await the upcoming fixtures, hoping for continued excellence from both teams as they vie for supremacy in this exciting T20 series.
