Pakistan’s Series-Sealing Trio – Sidra Ameen, Aliya Riaz, and Muneeba Ali get the attention of all cricket fans

• six6s
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• on Sep 20, 2023

In a thrilling encounter, Pakistan’s women’s cricket team showcased their prowess in the third T20I against South Africa, sealing the series with one game still to be played. Sidra Ameen’s career-best 61, complemented by Aliya Riaz and Muneeba Ali’s blazing cameos, powered Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory, leaving the cricketing world in awe of their exceptional skills and determination.

The match began with South Africa’s openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, forming a formidable partnership, amassing 74 runs in just 10.4 overs. It seemed that the visitors were on their way to posting a daunting total, with only three wickets down. However, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Sadiq Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu, displayed their mettle by taking crucial wickets at crucial junctures. Their efforts helped Pakistan restrict South Africa to a modest 150 runs.

One notable aspect of Pakistan’s bowling performance was their disciplined line and length. Fatima Sana was the only bowler who conceded more than eight runs an over, with Nadine de Klerk capitalizing on her in the final over of the innings. Nevertheless, even this late onslaught couldn’t disrupt Pakistan’s grip on the game.

When Pakistan came out to chase the target, they faced some early hiccups as Nonkululeko Mlaba dismissed Shawaal Zulfiqar for just 4 runs off 12 balls in the powerplay. However, Sidra Ameen emerged as the star of the chase, playing a pivotal role with her career-best performance. Ameen’s brilliant 44-ball knock included six fours and a six, and it marked her first T20I half-century at home and her third overall. She shared a crucial partnership of 68 runs off 53 balls with Bismah Maroof, keeping Pakistan’s chase on track.

Nonetheless, South Africa’s Mlaba struck once more, removing Maroof and reigniting their hopes. At that stage, Pakistan needed 49 runs from 34 balls, and it appeared that the game could swing either way.

But it was Aliya Riaz and Muneeba Ali who stole the show, displaying their exceptional batting skills when it mattered the most. Riaz, unbeaten at 31* off 18 balls, and Muneeba, who remained not out at 26* off 15 balls, combined forces to unleash a barrage of boundaries. Their unbroken partnership of 54 runs off just 29 balls ensured that Pakistan cruised to victory with five balls to spare.

Riaz and Muneeba’s fiery cameo performances showcased the depth and resilience of Pakistan’s batting lineup. Their ability to stay composed under pressure and execute well-timed strokes demonstrated their growth as T20 cricketers.

In summary, Pakistan’s series-sealing victory against South Africa in the third T20I was a testament to their all-round prowess. Sidra Ameen’s career-best innings, backed by Aliya Riaz and Muneeba Ali’s explosive batting, highlighted Pakistan’s potential to excel on the international stage. With one game still to go in the series, Pakistan’s fans have every reason to be optimistic about their team’s prospects in the world of women’s T20 cricket.

This thrilling encounter will surely be remembered as a defining moment in the careers of these talented cricketers and a significant step forward for Pakistan’s women’s cricket team.