The Proteas beat Pakistan by six runs in Friday’s Women’s World Cup fixture in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
Proteas opening batter Laura Wolvaardt and captain Sune Luus starred with 75 and 62, respectively, in a final total of 223 for nine.
Seamer Shabnim Ismail was named player of the match for figures of three for 41 in 9.5 overs. This haul included a superb catch off her own bowling.
Fellow seamers Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka took two wickets each, as Pakistan were restricted to 217 all out.
What Ismail said
“I know as a strike bowler I am going to have to bowl well at the death of the innings. I am confident I can do this well and I always back myself,” said Ismail.
“As long as we keep getting the wins, I’m happy. Hopefully, we will keep going well for the rest of the competition.
“I love taking catches and that catch was 100 percent mine. I don’t always take catches during the warm-ups.”
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‘Ismail was clinical’
The result ensured the Proteas remain unbeaten at the tournament. They recently defeated Bangladesh Women.
South Africa are now level with Australia, New Zealand and West Indies toward the top of the eight-team standings.
The Proteas’ next World Cup fixture will be against England.
“It is nerve-wracking. No game is an easy game. It is encouraging to see we can still get over the line. These two games are out of the way and we need to look at what we need to improve on,” added Luus.
“I know there’s a lot of people saying that South Africa and Australia should play the final, but we don’t pay attention to that. Ismail was clinical.”