BIRMINGHAM: South Africa survived a tense finish to edge Pakistan by two wickets in another Women s T20 World Cup 2026 thriller at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Tuesday. The outcome was pleasing for South Africa but despite their defeat, Pakistan put up a spirited fight spearheaded by skipper Fatima Sana to make what looked like a one-sided contest into an exciting finish.

Batting first, losing a few backstreamer was no surprise and once again atleast Pakistan paced attack was on clicks. In her first over, Marizanne Kapp picked up two wickets in Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza as Ayabonga Khaka piled on some more pressure. And then they fell in all sorts of trouble; 55 for 8, with four wickets coming as run-outs.

While a pull was looking inevitable Fatima Sana led a fighting counter. The Pakistan captain blazed away with an unbeaten 55 off 38 balls and found able support from Tuba Hassan during a key ninth-wicket partnership worth 71 runs. Sana powered away in sharps mode less as Pakistan after seeming on this path towards having a shabby score managed to recover and finished at 126 for 9.

South Africa’s innings got off to a steady start but Sana struck in the fifth over dismissing Sune Luus – who went without scoring. A balanced statement before Annerie Dercksen changed the momentum in favor of South Africa with a big click. The young batter hit 52 off just 32 balls with seven fours and a six, reaching her half-century in just over three overs.

Pakistan was undeterred however, and although Dercksen was doing all he could. Sana did not stop harassing them with the ball taking 3 wickets and making South African middle-order pay attention. Regular breakthroughs meant South Africa never worked up a significant advantage, and with the wickets falling at important junctures, Pakistan was able to stay in the game right until the end.

Further down the order, Nadine de Klerk contributed a crucial 37 to keep South Africa in touch with the chase but until Sutherland got her wicket the match was tantalisingly poised. Pakistan was still in a position where they were able to pull off an astounding turnaround as with scores tied, South Africa were eight wickets down. But a wide delivery, which was also pricey, was sufficient for South Africa to seal their victory to shatter Pakistan’s dreams.

Fatima Sana’s all-round brilliance was one of the highlights for Pakistan, as they heartily competed in the end, even though South Africa were deserving victors.

Visit More: Ashok Sharma Replaces Injured Yudhvir Singh in India A Squad