Fatima Sana stars as Pakistan sign off with consolation win

Fatima Sana capped off a strong all-round game as Pakistan Women ended the series on a high, sealing a 53-run win over South Africa Women in the third T20I in Kimberley. The hosts, however, clinched the three-match series 2-1.

Pakistan recovered from an early wobble to post 144 for 7 after opting to bat. Openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza fell cheaply inside the first two overs, leaving the visitors at 10 for 2. Ayesha Zafar (19) and Sidra Amin (26) steadied the innings, taking Pakistan to 46 for 2 at the end of the PowerPlay.

At 73 for 5, Pakistan were searching for momentum. It came through a decisive sixth-wicket stand between Sana and Aliya Riaz. The pair added 69 off 45 balls, with Sana's unbeaten 47 off 30 balls ensuring a competitive total.

South Africa's chase never gained rhythm. Sana struck in the first over to remove Tazmin Brits and later dismissed captain Laura Wolvaardt. Sadia Iqbal ran through the middle order with figures of 3 for 18. The hosts stumbled to 36 for 4 inside the PowerPlay.

A brief recovery came through Nadine de Klerk (27) and Annerie Dercksen (30), whose 50-run partnership kept hopes alive. However, Dercksen's run-out at 85 for 5 triggered a collapse. South Africa lost their last five wickets for just seven runs, bundled out for 91 in 16.5 overs.

Brief scores:
Pakistan 144/7 in 20 overs (Fatima Sana 47*, Sidra Amin 26, Aliya Riaz 26) beat South Africa 91 in 16.5 overs (Annerie Dercksen 30, Nadine de Klerk 27; Sadia Iqbal 3-18, Fatima Sana 2-12) by 53 runs.