LAHORE: South Africa Women defeated Pakistan Women by six wickets in the second T20I to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series in Benoni on Friday.

Pakistan turned in a contrasting performance, having lost the opener by five wickets despite scoring 180 for nine. In this match, they were limited to 100 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Only Aliya Riaz (20), Ayesha Zafar (13), Natalia Pervaiz (12), and Muneeba Ali (12) reached double figures.

For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka finished with figures of three for 10 and was later adjudged Player of the Match.

In reply, South Africa reached the target with the loss of four wickets in just under 14 overs. Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits added 36 runs for the second wicket, while Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp put on 29 for the fourth wicket.

Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 40 off 29 balls, hitting four fours, while Tazmin Brits scored 29 and Sune Luus contributed 13.

For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal took two wickets for 15 runs.

In the first T20I, Fatima Sana smashed a 41-ball 90 to lift Pakistan to 180 for nine, and then fought back gallantly to leave South Africa needing 10 runs from the final over. Kayla Reyneke (29 not out) struck a six off the last ball to seal a five-wicket win for her side.

Scores in brief:

2nd T20I – South Africa Women beat Pakistan Women by six wickets, Benoni

Pakistan 100-9, 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 20, Ayesha Zafar 13, Natalia Pervaiz 12, Muneeba Ali 12; Ayabonga Khaka 3-10, Masabata Klaas 2-14)

South Africa 104-4, 13.2 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 40 not out, Tazmin Brits 29, Sune Luus 13; Sadia Iqbal 2-15)

Player of the match – Ayabonga Khaka

1st T20I – South Africa Women beat Pakistan Women by five wickets, Potchefstroom

Third T20I: 16 February, Kimberley