BENONI – South Africa secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the rain-curtailed second T20I at Willowmoore Park on Friday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing a revised target of 101 in a 14-over contest, the hosts reached the total with four balls to spare, thanks to an unbeaten 40 off 29 balls from captain Laura Wolvaardt and incisive bowling from Ayabonga Khaka.
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Put in to bat, Pakistan struggled from the outset. Marizanne Kapp struck early, removing Muneeba Ali, while Masabata Klaas claimed Gull Feroza and Eyman Fatima as Pakistan slumped to 28 for 3 inside the powerplay. A run-out soon after further dented their momentum. Despite a late surge of 22 runs in the final three overs, Pakistan could only post 100 for 9.
South Africa began their chase steadily. Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus added 30 for the opening partnership before Luus was trapped lbw by Sadia Iqbal. Brits continued to find the boundary, while Wolvaardt settled in and guided the innings, sharing a crucial 36-run partnership for the second wicket.
Wickets in the middle overs brought pressure, but Wolvaardt remained composed, expertly rotating the strike and placing the ball into gaps. A key partnership with Marizanne Kapp further stabilized the chase, and Nadine de Klerk sealed the victory with a boundary in the 13.2nd over.
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Khaka’s late three-wicket burst proved decisive, ensuring Pakistan never regained control, while contributions from Kayla Reyneke and Nonkululeko Mlaba added depth to South Africa’s disciplined bowling effort.
With the series now won, South Africa will aim to complete a 3-0 sweep in the final T20I, while Pakistan looks to regroup and salvage pride in the concluding match.