South Africa Women’s U19 won the rain-affected fifth T20 by 17 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) Method to clinch the five-match series against Pakistan Women’s U19 3-2 at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a 129-run victory target, South Africa were cruising at 44 for no loss in 5.4 overs when rain intervened and denied any further play. As the minimum five overs required to constitute a T20 match had been bowled, South Africa were declared winners by 17 runs on the DLS method.

When the match was called off, Miya Lalor was not out on 22 from 17 balls with three fours, while Diedre van Rensburg was 18 not out from 17 balls, also with three fours.

Rain didn’t do justice to what was shaping into an exciting series finale. The result was also a heart-break for the Pakistan girls, who had performed exceedingly well in the series, indicating that they have the capability and potential to represent Pakistan at the highest level if provided with the right environment, training, and development opportunities.

Earlier, Pakistan batted first and posted a competitive 128 for six in their 20 overs. The team management played a masterstroke when they promoted Shahar Bano to No.3. Shahar justified the decision by smashing two fours and three sixes in a quickfire 19-ball 30.

This innings from the Lodhran girl was part of a crucial 37-run second-wicket partnership off 27 balls with Ravail Farhan, and played an integral part in Pakistan’s total.

Ravail was Pakistan’s top-scorer with 32 from 34 balls with five fours, while Aqsa Habib (23 not out), Komal Khan (21), and Zoofishan Ayyaz (18) were the other notable run-scorers.

Ravail and Komal provided Pakistan with a 48-run start from 45 balls before Shahar and Ravail’s partnership helped Pakistan reach their 100 in the 15th over for the loss of three wickets.

Scores in brief (complete scorecards available here)

5th T20 – South Africa Women’s U19 beat Pakistan Women’s U19 by 17 runs (DLS Method)

PAKISTAN WOMEN’S U19 128-6, 20 overs (Ravail Farhan 32, Shahar Bano 30, Aqsa Habib 23 not out, Komal Khan 21, Zoofishan Ayyaz 18; Daneli Boshoff 2-18, Ashleigh van Wyk 2-22)

SOUTH AFRICA WOMEN’S U19 44-0, 5.4 overs (Miya Lalor 22 not out, Diedre van Rensburg 18 not out)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Miya Lalor (South Africa Women’s U19)

PLAYER OF THE SERIES

SERIES RESULTS:

First T20 – South Africa Women’s U19 won by four wickets
Second T20 – Pakistan Women’s U19 beat South Africa Women’s U19 by 47 runs
Third T20 – South Africa Women’s U19 beat Pakistan Women’s U19 by 52 runs
Fourth T20 – Pakistan Women’s U19 beat South Africa Women’s U19 by six wickets