Wolvaardt, Khaka steer South Africa to series win

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. The hosts restricted Pakistan to 100 for 9 in a 14-over contest before chasing down the target with four balls to spare, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing 101, South Africa made a steady start through Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus as they added 30 in quick time before Sadia Iqbal trapped Luus LBW. The wicket briefly stemmed the flow, but Brits continued to find boundaries while Wolvaardt settled in, the pair adding 36 for the second wicket to keep the asking rate in check.

Pakistan fought back with a couple of wickets in the middle overs, including Brits and Dane van Niekerk, leaving South Africa needing 30 off the last four overs. Wolvaardt, however, remained composed, steering the chase with smart placement and running. She added a useful stand with Marizanne Kapp before Nadine de Klerk finished it off with a boundary, sealing victory 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. Her three-wicket burst ensured Pakistan never broke free, though a late push added 22 runs in the final three overs to take them to the three-figure mark – a total that proved insufficient once Wolvaardt anchored the chase.

Brief scores:
Pakistan 100/9 in 14 overs (Aliya Riaz 20, Ayabonga Khaka 3-10, Masabata Klaas 2-14) lost to South Africa 104/4 in 13.2 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 40*, Tazmin Brits 29; Sadia Iqbal 2-15) by 6 wickets.