Openers Dane van Niekerk and Lizelle Lee shared an opening stand of 163 as South Africa opened their Women’s World Twenty20 campaign with a comprehensive thrashing of Pakistan.
Van Nierkerk was unbeaten on 90 and Lee 67 not out as the duo repelled everything Pakistan’s attack could muster to carry their bats throughout the Proteas’ allocation.
In response Pakistan could only post 119 for nine as South Africa closed out a 44-run win.
It was a particularly chastening experience for Pakistan skipper Sana Mir, who opted to field and proceeded to send down three overs costing 35 runs.
The going did not prove anywhere near as troublesome for South Africa with the ball as Shabnim Ismail dismissed Pakistan opener Qanita Jalil from with the final ball of the first over.
Nain Abidi and Nida Dar added 48 for the third wicket, but when they departed in successive overs for 28 and 32 respectively, the Proteas understandably scented blood.
Leg-spinner Sune Luus bowled Abidi and joined Ismail in taking a brace of wickets, but seamer Marizanne Kapp proved the pick of the attack with 3-16 – the kind of bowling figures Mir must have envisaged for one of her own attack after calling correctly.