Pakistan Finds Solace in Sana's Stellar Performance

Fatima Sana led Pakistan to a consolation win with an all-round performance, scoring 47 runs and taking 2 wickets against South Africa in the 3rd T20I. Pakistan posted 144-7, with Sana's unbeaten 47 off 30 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, anchoring the innings. In response, South Africa was bowled out for 91 in 16.5 overs, with Sadia Iqbal and Sana's bowling efforts securing the 53-run victory. The fightback came from Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen, who added 55 for the fifth wicket, but while de Klerk scored 27 in 30 balls and Dercksen 30 in 38, it was slow going - their partnership spanned 65 balls - and when Dercksen and de Klerk fell within three balls of one another between the 15th and 16th overs, the game had swung conclusively Pakistan's way. Sadia Iqbal's 3/18 and Sana's 2/12 sealed Pakistan's win, with South Africa struggling to chase 145. Marizanne Kapp missed the match due to illness. The teams will now face off in a 3-match ODI series: Feb 22 (Bloemfontein), Feb 25 (Centurion), and Mar 1 (Durban). Sana and Aliya Riaz's 70-run partnership off 45 balls turned Pakistan's fortunes around. Sana ended unbeaten on 47 (30 balls, 4x4, 2x6), setting South Africa a target of 145.