Wolvaardt, Khaka lead South Africa to T20I series win over Pakistan

Ayabonga Khaka's incisive spell and an unbeaten 40 off 29 from captain Laura Wolvaardt powered South Africa to a six-wicket win over Pakistan in the rain-curtailed second T20I in Benoni. In a 14-over match, the hosts held Pakistan to 100 for 9, then chased down the target with four balls left to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing 101, Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus gave South Africa a steady start. They added 30 in quick time, and Sadia Iqbal pinned Luus LBW. The wicket briefly halted the flow, but Wolvaardt settled in and the Brits continued to score boundaries, adding 36 for the second wicket to maintain the asking rate. South Africa needed 30 off the final four overs, but Pakistan responded with a couple of wickets in the middle overs, including Brits and Dane van Niekerk. Wolvaardt, on the other hand, maintained composure while running and directing the pursuit. She also put together a good stand with Marizanne Kapp before Nadine de Klerk hit a boundary to win in 13.2 overs. Earlier, after a long rain delay reduced the game, South Africa's new-ball bowlers struck early after opting to field. Kapp removed Muneeba Ali, while Masabata Klaas dismissed Gull Feroza and Eyman Fatima as Pakistan slipped to 28 for 3 inside the revised powerplay. A run-out soon after deepened the trouble, leaving the visitors struggling to build momentum. South Africa's disciplined effort continued through the middle overs, with Kayla Reyneke and Nonkululeko Mlaba chipping in before Khaka delivered the decisive blows at the death. Although a late push added 22 runs in the final three overs to take them to the three-figure mark, which proved insufficient once Wolvaardt anchored the chase, her three-wicket burst ensured that Pakistan never broke free.