Pakistan 151 for 5 (Maroof 37, Ameen 33, Kapp 1-24) beat South Africa (Brits 78, Wolvaardt 44, Sadia 1-22) by five wickets
Chasing 151, the batters kept Pakistan in the game all through. While four run-outs did not help the cause, they stitched important partnerships as Pakistan got over the line off the final ball with Riaz heaving one away to deep midwicket.
In all, she struck nine fours and a six before falling in the last over. South Africa pumped 54 runs in their last six overs to reach 150 for 3.
Pakistan, however, went about their reply in a professional manner. They lost Shawaal Zulfiqar early to Kapp but Ameen and Maroof added a stand of 30 for the second wicket to keep the chase going before Ameen started the run-out spree, falling in the ninth over. Ten balls later, it was captain Nida Dar who was found short of her crease.
Maroof and Riaz then got together and stabilised the required rate with an 18-ball 34 stand for the fourth wicket. After another run-out ensued, Riaz and Muneeba Ali added a 43-run partnership for the fifth wicket to take Pakistan closer.
Muneeba fell off the final ball of the 19th over leaving Pakistan with eight to win in the 20th. But Riaz kept her cool and alongside Fatima Sana, completed the win.
