Fatima Sana Shines but Pakistan Slip to Second Straight T20 World Cup Defeat
BIRMINGHAM: A fighting unbeaten half-century from Pakistan captain Fatima Sana went in vain as South Africa edged past the Women in Green by two wickets in a tense ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash at Edgbaston on Wednesday.
Chasing 127 for victory, South Africa were tested throughout the innings and eventually reached the target with seven wickets down and 19 balls remaining.
Annerie Dercksen played the decisive knock for the Proteas, smashing 52 from just 35 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes. She provided momentum at the top before being dismissed by Tuba Hassan in the 11th over.
After Dercksen’s departure, Nadine de Klerk guided the chase with a composed 37 off 28 deliveries. She brought South Africa to within one run of victory before being dismissed by Fatima Sana, with the winning run eventually coming via a wide delivery.
Fatima led Pakistan’s bowling effort brilliantly, claiming 3/16 in 2.5 overs. Tuba Hassan and Sadia Iqbal picked up two wickets each, while Nashra Sandhu contributed with one scalp.
The defeat was Pakistan’s second in the tournament after their heavy loss to India in the opening match, where they were bowled out for 106 while chasing 171.
Earlier, Pakistan’s decision to bat first proved costly as they slumped to 126/9 despite a remarkable rescue act from their captain.
The innings began disastrously, with Marizanne Kapp removing both openers, Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza, in the opening over. She struck again in her next over by dismissing Ayesha Zafar, while Ayabonga Khaka sent back Natalia Pervaiz to leave Pakistan reeling at 14/4 inside four overs.
Rameen Shamim and Iram Javed briefly steadied the innings with a 15-run stand before both were run out in quick succession. Shabnim Ismail then dismissed Aliya Riaz, and another run out, this time of Nashra Sandhu, reduced Pakistan to 50/8.
With the innings in tatters, Fatima Sana and Tuba Hassan staged a remarkable recovery, putting together a 71-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Their stand lifted Pakistan beyond the 120-run mark and gave them a fighting total.
Tuba contributed a valuable 23 from 27 balls, striking two fours before being run out in the final over. Fatima remained unbeaten on 55 off 38 deliveries, hitting six fours and two sixes in a captain’s knock.
For South Africa, Kapp was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/23 from her four overs, while Ismail and Khaka claimed one wicket each.
