Fatima Sana’s all-round show helps Pakistan beat South Africa in third WT20I to avoid series whitewash

Pakistani women concluded the T20I leg of their 2026 tour of South Africa with a spirited 53-run win over South African women in the third and final match at Diamond Oval. After losing the first two games, the visitors produced a clinical all-round performance to avoid a series whitewash, riding on a stunning display from Fatima Sanawhich was rightly called a

Despite the defeat, South Africa had already sealed the three-match T20I series 2-1 after winning the opening match by five wickets and the second by six wickets. However, Pakistan’s emphatic response in the last match gave them valuable momentum heading into the ODI stage.

Fatima Sana takes Pakistan to a competitive total

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Pakistan Women got off to a shaky start. Openers You see Ali And Gull Feroza were sent off without scoring, causing the visitors early problems. Ayesha Zafar (19 of 21) and Parsha Amen (26 off 25) tried to stabilize the innings but South Africa’s disciplined bowling kept the scoring rate in check.

The innings changed dramatically in the second half thanks to a counter-attack from Sana. Coming in under pressure, she smashed 47 runs off just 30 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and two towering sixes. Her aggressive strokeplay changed the momentum and propelled Pakistan to a respectable 144/7 in 20 overs.

Among the South African bowlers, And Kuleko Mlaba delivered a neat spell of 1 for 22 in four overs, while Ayabonga Khaka also chipped with a wicket. Although Marizanne Kapp frugal and conceding just eleven runs in her three overs, the Proteas could not contain Pakistan’s late surge.

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Pakistan bowlers dismantle South Africa’s chase

Chasing 145, South Africa Women hesitated from the start. Compensation British fell for a duck, and Dane van Niekerk was sent off cheaply, leaving the hosts behind. While Nadine de Klerk (27 of 30) and Annerie Dercksen (30 off 38) tried to rebuild the innings, the pace required continued to rise as the Pakistan bowlers applied relentless pressure.

Sadia Iqbal was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 18 runs in 3.5 overs. Sana once again made her presence felt, taking 2 for 12 in her three overs and breaking crucial partnerships. Zafar also contributed with a key wicket during her economic spell.

South Africa were eventually bowled out for just 91 in 16.5 overs, falling far short of the target and handing Pakistan a comprehensive 53-run win.

While South Africa Women claimed the T20I series 2-1, Pakistan’s dominant win in the final match offers renewed confidence ahead of the 50-over format. The two sides next meet in the first ODI at Mangaung Oval on Sunday, February 22.

CHAMPIONS! 🏆#DeProteas cap off a sensational T20I series with a 2-1 win over Pakistan Women! 🏏🇿🇦

Well contested from start to finish with remarkable action every step of the way. 👏💪#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/PcmT8xGxeu

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) February 16, 2026

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This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.