Women's World Cup 2022: SA beat Pakistan in low-scoring thriller
South Africa beat Pakistan in the ninth match of the 2022 ICC Women's World Cup at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. They sealed the low-scoring thriller by just six runs. SA managed to defend 223 by bowling out Pakistan in the final over (217). Nida Dar and Diana Baig couldn't get Pakistan over the line. Meanwhile, Shabnim Ismail starred for SA with her match-winning figures.
How did the match pan out?
South Africa were reduced to 21/2 after they were put in to bat. However, Laura Wolvaardt (75) and Sune Luus (62) took them past 100. Chloe Tryon and Trisha Chetty smashed 31 each as South Africa compiled 223/9 in 50 overs. Pakistan were in the driving seat in the run-chase (at 144/3). Nida Dar (55) stayed till the end but couldn't get them home.
Ismail defended 10 runs in the final over
Ismail held her nerves and defended 10 runs in the final over. She removed the dangerous Diana Baig on the second delivery. Ghulam Fatima got run-out on the fifth ball, handing SA a thrilling win. Ismail conceded just three runs in the over.
Unwanted record for Pakistan
Pakistan lost their 17th straight match in the Women's World Cup. They have lost all three matches in the ongoing tournament so far - to India, Australia, and South Africa, respectively. Pakistan have won only two matches in the history of Women's World Cup. They have lost 24 of 26 matches so far. Pakistan last won a Women's WC match in March 2009.
Wolvaardt and Luus played significant knocks
Wolvaardt and Luus laid the foundation for South Africa's victory. The former slammed her 22nd ODI half-century in the first innings. She scored 75 off 91 deliveries with the help of 10 fours. Meanwhile, skipper Luus registered her 10th fifty in ODI cricket. Unlike Wolvaardt, the SA captain played watchfully. She consumed 102 balls to score 62 (2 fours, 1 six).
A look at other notable performers
Pace spearhead Ismail was adjudged the Player of the Match. She was the pick of South Africa's bowlers, having accounted for three wickets. She conceded 41 runs in 9.5 overs. Besides, Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka snapped up two wickets apiece. Medium-pacer Masabata Klaas chipped in with the crucial wicket of Omaima Sohail. The latter was Pakistan's top-scorer in the match (65).
