Benoni, South Africa , 14 February (H.S.): Captain Laura Wolvaardt's composed unbeaten 40 and Ayabonga Khaka's devastating 3/10 propelled South Africa to a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in a rain-truncated second T20I at Willowmoore Park on Friday night (IST Saturday), securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Electing to field first after a lightning delay reduced the contest to 14 overs per side, South Africa's seamers wrought havoc: seamer Masabata Klaas (2/14) castled Muneeba Ali with the new ball, while Klaas and Khaka precipitated a powerplay collapse to 28/3, abetted by a run-out; Nonkululeko Mlaba and Kayla Reyneke maintained the chokehold before Khaka's late 3-wicket salvo consigned Pakistan to 100/9, Aliya Riaz's gritty 20 the lone resistance amid 22 runs in the final three overs.
Chasing 101, openers Tazmin Brits (29) and Sune Luus forged a brisk 30-run stand before Sadia Iqbal's lbw felled Luus; Brits and Wolvaardt (40* off 29) then accreted 36 to steady nerves, but Pakistan's resurgence—claiming Brits and Dane van Niekerk—left 30 required off four.
Wolvaardt's sagacity, partnered by Marizanne Kapp before Nadine de Klerk's boundary-sealing first-ball sally in the 13.2 over, consummated a composed chase at 104/4.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 100/9 (14 overs; Aliya Riaz 20; Ayabonga Khaka 3/10, Masabata Klaas 2/14) lost to South Africa 104/4 (13.2 overs; Laura Wolvaardt 40*, Tazmin Brits 29; Sadia Iqbal 2/15) by 6 wickets.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
