South Africa Women edged past Pakistan Women by two wickets in the 11th match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at Edgbaston. After being asked to bat first, Pakistan Women managed 126/9 in their 20 overs. Marizanne Kapp struck early blows, and Pakistan lost five wickets inside the Powerplay. The situation worsened quickly as Pakistan slumped to 50/8 after 10 overs.

Fatima Sana and Tuba Hassan then staged a remarkable recovery by adding 71 runs for the ninth wicket. Fatima remained unbeaten on 55 off 38 balls, while Tuba scored 23 off 27 balls before being run out in the final over. Marizanne Kapp (3/23 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for South Africa Women, while Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka picked up one wicket each.

In reply, Fatima Sana (3/16 in 2.5 overs) provided an early breakthrough for Pakistan Women, but Annerie Dercksen and Laura Wolvaardt added 42 runs for the second wicket. When Tuba Hassan (2/28 in 4 overs) dismissed Dercksen, South Africa were 76/4 after 10.2 overs.

Nadine de Klerk then came to the crease and remained calm despite wickets falling around her. She kept the scoreboard moving and played a crucial role in the chase. South Africa reached 126/8 when Fatima Sana dismissed de Klerk in the 17th over. However, Shabnim Ismail guided South Africa Women over the line to secure a hard-fought victory and help her team open their account on the points table.

Annerie Dercksen was the top scorer for South Africa Women, while Pakistan Women remained winless in the tournament after suffering their second defeat.

South Africa dominate early with the ball

The match began in brutal fashion for Pakistan as South Africa’s bowlers made an immediate impact. Marizanne Kapp struck on the very first delivery, trapping Muneeba Ali lbw. She followed it up with a superb delivery that broke through the bat and pad of Gull Feroza to crash into the stumps, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble early on.

Kapp continued to apply pressure with disciplined bowling, including a damaging yorker that hurt Ayesha Zafar. Ayabonga Khaka joined the attack and quickly added to Pakistan’s misery by forcing Natalia Pervaiz into a mistake.

Pakistan’s innings collapsed further due to poor decision-making and chaotic running between the wickets. They suffered four run-outs, which completely derailed any attempt to rebuild. At one stage, Pakistan had slumped to 55 for 8, looking completely out of the contest.

Despite the collapse, captain Fatima Sana stood firm and played a crucial role in rescuing the innings.

Fatima Sana leads Pakistan’s recovery

While wickets fell around her, Fatima Sana produced a brilliant counterattack. Her unbeaten 55 off 38 balls turned a disastrous situation into a competitive total. By the time Pakistan reached the final overs, they were still struggling at 80 for 8, but Sana shifted gears at the right moment.

She waited until the end overs to launch her attack, finishing strongly against South Africa’s bowlers. A powerful final-over assault, including 19 runs in the last over, helped Pakistan reach 126. Her innings included 42 runs from the final 19 balls, giving her side a fighting chance after what had looked like a complete collapse.

However, Pakistan’s total still remained below par on a pitch that allowed scoring opportunities.

South Africa’s chase and Dercksen’s impact

South Africa’s chase initially appeared comfortable, but Pakistan briefly made things interesting with disciplined bowling and regular wickets. For a short phase, South Africa were restricted to just 20 runs in four overs, and Pakistan even managed to dismiss Sune Luus.

However, Annerie Dercksen completely changed the game with a destructive batting display. She targeted Pakistan’s bowlers with clean and powerful hitting, especially against Rameen Shamim, where she scored 21 runs in a single over.

Dercksen’s aggressive stroke play, including two massive sixes, broke Pakistan’s momentum. She consistently found gaps and reduced pressure on her teammates at the crease.

By the time she was dismissed, South Africa had already moved into a strong position, needing just 51 runs from 63 balls with eight wickets in hand.

Pakistan stay in the contest but fall short

Pakistan continued to fight and took wickets at key moments, keeping the match alive until the final stages. Fatima Sana also contributed with the ball, removing Nadine de Klerk and briefly raising hopes of an unlikely comeback.

However, Pakistan’s poor fielding again proved costly. Several dropped chances and misfields allowed South Africa to regain control at crucial moments. Even when the game reached a tight finish, a costly wide ball down the leg side ultimately sealed Pakistan’s fate.

South Africa eventually crossed the finish line with two wickets in hand and three overs remaining.