BIRMINGHAM: South Africa Women defeated Pakistan Women by two wickets in a closely contested Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 match at Edgbaston on Wednesday, successfully chasing a target of 127 with 19 balls to spare.
Despite a fighting all-round performance from Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, the Green Shirts suffered their second consecutive defeat of the tournament, further denting their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.
South Africa’s chase was anchored by top-order batter Miane Dercksen, who struck a quick-fire 52 off 35 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. Her aggressive innings laid the foundation for the Proteas before she was dismissed by Tuba Hassan in the 11th over.
Following Dercksen’s departure, Nadine de Klerk guided South Africa towards victory with a composed 37 off 28 deliveries. The all-rounder brought her side within touching distance of the target before being dismissed by Fatima Sana, who was Pakistan’s standout performer with the ball.
South Africa eventually crossed the finish line after a wide delivery from Fatima sealed the result, giving the Proteas a hard-fought victory.
Pakistan mounted a spirited bowling effort after defending a below-par total. Fatima claimed three wickets for 16 runs, while Tuba Hassan and Sadia Iqbal took two wickets each. Nashra Sandhu contributed one dismissal.
Earlier, Pakistan struggled badly after being sent into disarray by South Africa’s new-ball attack.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan were reduced to 14-4 within the opening four overs as Marizanne Kapp removed openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza in the first over before dismissing Ayesha Zafar. Ayabonga Khaka added to Pakistan’s troubles by removing Natalia Pervaiz.
Pakistan’s middle order failed to recover, with Rameen Shamim and Iram Javed both departing after a brief partnership. Further setbacks left the Green Shirts reeling at 50-8 midway through the innings.
With the innings in danger of collapsing completely, captain Fatima Sana produced a remarkable rescue effort alongside Tuba Hassan. The pair shared a crucial 71-run partnership for the ninth wicket, reviving Pakistan’s innings and lifting the total beyond the 120-run mark.
Tuba contributed a valuable 23 runs before being run out in the final over, while Fatima remained unbeaten on 55 from 38 balls, striking six fours and two sixes.
For South Africa, Kapp was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-23, while Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka claimed one wicket each.
The defeat follows Pakistan’s opening loss to India, where they were bowled out for 106 while chasing 171. South Africa’s victory strengthens their position in the tournament standings, while Pakistan now face increasing pressure to secure wins in their remaining group-stage fixtures.