Women’s cricket: Pakistan counter ODI series loss with win in first T20I

Asmavia stars in hosts’ five-wicket win over South Africa.

KARACHI: Pakistan women’s cricket team seems to be mirroring their male counterparts’ characteristic inconsistency, as the women in green registered a five-wicket win over South Africa in their first T20I after losing the ODI series 2-1.

In the T20I played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, South Africa batted first after losing the toss. The openers, especially Dane van Niekerk, tried to go after the bowlers a bit too hard, pushing the run-rate to nine in the first three overs. But then came the slump.

Trish Chetty was dismissed for eight, while Lizelle Lee was run-out without opening her account. Niekerk and skipper Mingon du Preez tried to keep South Africa together, but could not find any support from the others as the Proteas finished at 101-7 in their allotted overs.

Niekerk made 25 with a six and two boundaries, while du Preez top-scored with 41, hitting three boundaries in the process. Asmavia Iqbal claimed three wickets and a scalp each was bagged by Sana Mir and Sumaiya Sididiqui.

In reply, Pakistan achieved the target for a loss of five wickets with nine balls to spare.

Opener Marina Iqbal held the innings together with a knock of 42 off 46 with five boundaries, while Asmavia starred with the bat as well, scoring an unbeaten 18-ball 23 studded with a six and three boundaries.

Leg-spinner Sune Luus claimed three wickets in South Africa’s losing cause.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2015.

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