Pakistan level series with win over SA U19 Women

South Africa Under-19 Women went down by 47 runs in the second Youth T20 International (T20I) against Pakistan in Karachi on Friday, with the home side levelling the five-match series at 1-1.

Player of the Match Ravail Farhan top-scored for Pakistan with an unbeaten 68 off 64 deliveries, including nine fours and two sixes, to help the hosts post 125/4. Mahnoor Zeb then returned with leading figures of 3/21 as the SA U19 Women were dismissed for 78 in 17.1 overs.

The touring side won the toss and elected to bowl first. Pakistan responded to that challenge with an improved start with bat in hand, as openers Farhan and Komal Khan (23) put on a confident 63-run stand.

Despite a crucial breakthrough from Reabetswe Dithupe (1/26), who dismissed Khan in the ninth over, Farhan continued to anchor the home side's innings. The right-hander combined with Zoofishan Ayyaz (11), Raahima Syed (8) and Fizza Fiaz (7) to guide Pakistan to a competitive total.

Miya Lalor (1/23) and Ashleigh van Wyk (1/26) were the other wicket-takers for South Africa.

In pursuit of 126 for victory, the SA U19 Women faced early pressure at the crease as Pakistan’s left-arm seamers Shahar Bano (1/12) and Mahnoor Zeb (3/21) reduced the visitors to 31/2 in the powerplay.

A 28-run partnership between Diedre van Rensburg (20) and captain Mieke van Voorst (16) for the third wicket was the highlight of the South African innings. Zeb, Mah Noor (2/19) and Maham Nazakat (2/8) shared the bulk of the wickets, while a clinical display in the field helped Pakistan wrap up a comprehensive victory with 2.5 overs to spare.

The third Youth T20I will take place on Sunday at the National Stadium in Karachi, with the match live-streamed on the Pakistan Cricket Board’s YouTube channel.

SA U19 Women’s Squad

Mieke van Voorst (captain, Easterns), Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout (Mpumalanga), Daneli Boshoff (Boland), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Reabetswe Dithupe (North West), Miya Lalor (Western Province), Respect Mabasa (Limpopo), Ziya Mohanlall (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Makwana Moriri (Central Gauteng Lions), Lungile Ngcobo (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Melissa van der Merwe (Boland), Diedre van Rensburg (North West), Ashleigh van Wyk (Easterns), Chanel Venter (Titans) and Nobubelebesisa Zwane (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal). 

Fixtures and Results

Tuesday, 14 July (5pm)

First Youth T20I (National Stadium, Karachi) - SA won by four wickets

Friday, 17 July (5pm)

Second Youth T20I (National Stadium, Karachi) - Pakistan won by 47 runs

Sunday, 19 July (5pm)

Third Youth T20I (National Stadium, Karachi)

Wednesday, 22 July (5pm)

Fourth Youth T20I (National Stadium, Karachi)

Friday, 24 July (5pm)

Fifth Youth T20I (National Stadium, Karachi)