Shabnim sinks Pakistan

South Africa edged to a threewicket win over Pakistan in a fascninating clash in Leicester.

Set 207 to win, South Africa appeared to be cruising to their target as Lizelle Lee (60) and Laura Wolvaardt (52) both scored fifties in a 113-run opening stand.

But their wickets were the first of seven to fall for just 64 runs as the Proteas collapsed to 177 for seven, still requiring a run-a-ball 30 to win from the final five overs.

It was a task eighth-wicket pair Sune Luus (15 not out) and Shabnim Ismail (22 not out) were up to, guiding South Africa to a nervy opening win with an over to spare.

Earlier, opener Nahida Khan had top-scored for Pakistan with a fine 79 off 101 balls to help steer her side up to a competitive score of 206 for eight, but it was not to be enough.

Dane van Niekerk, the South Africa captain, said: “It’s never great when you start losing wickets in clusters. All credit to them for causing trouble. They attacked really well. Happy that our lower-order came through. No excuse for the run-outs. All our senior players were part of it, including myself. No excuses for running yourself out.

“I was nervous knowing that with Pakistan’s attack, it’s never over till it is. But Sune has come a long way and Shabnim has played fine cameos for us. I never doubted them.”

Shabnim, who was named the player of the match for her allround contribution that included two for 52, said: “I looked calm but I was very nervous. It is always good to contribute with bat and ball, which I hadn’t been doing in the last few games. It was good to get the side over the line today. I decided to hit anything in my area and go over the top.”