South Africa edged Pakistan by two wickets at Edgbaston to claim their first win of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Pakistan were bowled out for 126/9 after a top‑order collapse left them 29/5 and 50/8, but captain Fatima Sana’s unbeaten 55 off 38 including two sixes in the final over and a record ninth‑wicket stand of 71 with Tuba Hassan rescued their innings. Veteran Marizanne Kapp earlier starred with the ball for South Africa, taking 3‑23 as she helped expose Pakistan’s early batting frailties.
Chasing 127, South Africa made hard work of the task before Annerie Dercksen’s 52 and Nadine de Klerk’s 37 steered the Proteas to 127/8 in 16.4 overs, finishing with just over three overs to spare. Fatima continued her all‑round heroics with figures of 3‑16, but Pakistan couldn’t defend the total after their collapse and costly running errors. The result gives South Africa momentum in a tough Group Two that also features India and Australia; Pakistan have now lost both their opening matches. Full scorecard and group table are available on the ICC website.
