Fatima Sana’s All-Round Brilliance Powers Pakistan to Consolation Win in Benoni

Fatima Sana produced a sparkling performance with bat and ball as Pakistan signed off the T20I series with a 53-run victory over South Africa in Benoni, even as the hosts claimed the rubber 2-1.

Put in to bat after winning the toss, Pakistan wobbled badly at 68 for 5 in the 12th over and looked set for another below-par total. Sana, however, changed the narrative. Calm under pressure, she launched a decisive counterattack and found a willing partner in Aliya Riaz. Together, they stitched a 70-run stand for the sixth wicket in just 45 balls, lifting Pakistan from trouble into a position of control.

Riaz played the anchor role, scoring 26 off 25 deliveries before a run-out ended her innings, but her contribution allowed Sana to bat with freedom. Sana struck an unbeaten 47 from 30 balls, peppering the boundary with four fours and two sixes, and ensuring Pakistan closed on a competitive 144 for 7.

South Africa’s chase never settled. Within five overs, Sana and Sadia Iqbal ripped through the top order, removing Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Dane van Niekerk and Laura Wolvaardt to leave the home side reeling at 30 for 4. With the asking rate climbing, Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen attempted to rebuild, adding 55 for the fifth wicket. But their progress was slow, consuming 65 balls, and the required rate soon became unmanageable.

The innings collapsed when both set batters fell within three deliveries between the 15th and 16th overs, swinging the contest firmly back Pakistan’s way. Iqbal finished with 3 for 18 and Sana returned 2 for 12 as South Africa were dismissed for 91 in 17 overs. Marizanne Kapp, unwell, did not bat.

Sana was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series, underlining her influence despite Pakistan losing the series. Attention now shifts to the three-match ODI series, starting in Bloemfontein on February 22.

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