BIRMINGHAM: Captain Fatima Sana produced a fighting all-round display but her efforts proved insufficient as South Africa survived a late scare to register a two-wicket victory over Pakistan in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

After rescuing Pakistan from a precarious position with an unbeaten half-century and then leading the bowling attack with three wickets, Fatima came agonisingly close to forcing a dramatic finish before South Africa crossed the line at 127-8 in 16.5 overs in pursuit of 127.

Pakistan’s second successive defeat has further dented their semi-final hopes, though bowling coach Umaid Asif insisted the team would continue to fight for qualification.

“We still have three games left,” Umaid said after the match. “We’re not looking that far ahead to the semi-finals. We will keep trying till the end.”

Pakistan’s innings appeared headed for collapse after South Africa’s experienced pace spearhead Marizanne Kapp ripped through the top order.

Kapp struck with the first ball of the match, trapping Muneeba Ali lbw after a successful review, before clean bowling Gull Feroza later in the over. Ayesha Zafar also fell to Kapp, while Natalia Pervaiz dragged Ayabonga Khaka onto her stumps as Pakistan slumped to 14-4.

Further run-outs of Rameen Shamim, Iram Javed and Nashra Sundhu compounded Pakistan’s woes. Aliya Riaz’s dismissal left the side reeling at 45-7 midway through the innings.

However, Fatima and Tuba Hassan staged a remarkable recovery. The pair added 71 runs for the ninth wicket — the highest partnership for that wicket in Women’s T20 World Cup history — to lift Pakistan to a competitive 126-9.

Fatima counterattacked superbly, smashing 55 not out off 38 balls with two sixes and four boundaries, while Tuba contributed a valuable 23 before being run out in the final over.

Defending a modest target, Pakistan struck early when Fatima dismissed Sune Luus, but South Africa maintained control through Annerie Dercksen, who took the attack to the bowlers from the outset.

Dercksen struck a 32-ball half-century and dominated a partnership that kept South Africa ahead of the required rate. Her aggressive innings of 52 ended when Tuba bowled her with a sharp leg-break, reducing South Africa to 76-4.

Pakistan sensed an opening as Sadia Iqbal removed Chloe Tryon and Kayla Reyneke, while Tuba and Fatima continued to apply pressure.

But Nadine de Klerk held her nerve with a composed 37. Despite surviving two dropped chances, she guided South Africa to the brink of victory before Fatima dismissed her with the scores level.

The Pakistan captain also removed wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta to raise hopes of an unlikely turnaround. However, a wide delivery from Fatima sealed the result in South Africa’s favour.

Pakistan were left to rue several missed opportunities in the field, including crucial dropped catches during South Africa’s chase.

“The girls do work hard, but if they drop catches at crucial moments, you end up giving your game to the other team,” Umaid said. “Still, the bowlers put up a good fight and took it to the end.”

Asked about Fatima’s growing influence on the side, Umaid backed his captain to shoulder the responsibility.

“She’s a strong character. That’s why she’s the captain of the team,” he said. “She’s doing well and you can see that.”

Pakistan next face Bangladesh in a match they can scarcely afford to lose if they are to keep their knockout hopes alive.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2026