In a significant development, the Pakistan women’s cricket team has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 19th Asian Games. Unfortunately, their quarter-final clash against Indonesia was disrupted and eventually washed out due to rain.

Thanks to their higher seeding, Pakistan’s women’s team has earned a place in the semi-finals of the competition. They will square off against the victor of the third quarter-final, set to be contested between Sri Lanka and Thailand at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field in Hangzhou tomorrow.

Pakistan women’s cricket team clinched the T20I series by successfully chasing down 151 runs against South Africa in the second T20I match. This remarkable victory marks Pakistan’s second bilateral T20I series win against South Africa, with the previous one dating back to March 2015 when Pakistan won 2-1.

Captain Nida Dar’s strategic move to field first after winning the toss set the tone for the match. South Africa’s batting in this match resembled their performance in the first T20I, with the visitors making a strong start by reaching 46-0 after the powerplay. However, Pakistan’s left-arm spin duo of Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal once again proved to be game-changers, stifling the run flow and breaking crucial partnerships. Nashra dismissed South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, while Sadia claimed Tazmin Brits’ wicket. Debutant Umm-e-Hani also bowled tightly, preventing any leaks in runs. South Africa’s first innings concluded at 150-3, mirroring their score in the first T20I.

Despite the early dismissal of young opener Shawaal Zulfiqar, experienced players Bismah Maroof and Sidra Amin built a steady and dominating partnership of 68 runs. This set the stage for a game-defining partnership between Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz, where they added 54 runs in just 29 balls. Pakistan’s fearless and aggressive batting approach ensured that they maintained control throughout the game.

Unlike the first T20I, where Pakistan won on the last ball, this time Pakistan secured victory comfortably, with Aliya Riaz confidently hitting the winning runs with five deliveries remaining. The jubilation was evident as Aliya embraced Muneeba at the other end, celebrating their second series-clinching victory.

The third T20I between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled for September 4, 2023, at 7:30 pm.