Wolvaardt, bowlers help S Africa bag second win

South Africa bagged their second win in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022 as they defeated Pakistan by six runs in Mount Maunganui after setting 223.

Laura Wolvaardt and captain Sune Luus struck half-centuries while Shabnim Ismail bagged three to ensure Pakistan fell short despite mounting a tough challenge, reports Cricbuzz.

After opting to bowl, Fatima Sana struck in the third over while Diana Baig got a wicket in the eighth as South Africa were reduced to 21 for 2 after a slow start. That's when Luus and Wolvaardt collaborated to put the innings back on track with a partnership of 89 off 131 deliveries. The pair batted till the 30th over and took the side past 100 but South Africa were hampered a touch with the captain adopting a go-slow approach.

With the final 20 overs of the innings approaching, the onus was on Wolvaardt to pick up the ante. However, Ghulam Fatima struck to remove the opener for 75 off 91. Three balls later, she also handed Mignon du Preez a duck as South Africa slipped to 110 for 4. The matters were made worse when Marizanne Kapp also failed to get going and fell to Fatima to leave the side in a lot of bother at 120 for 5.

And while Pakistan had made a splendid comeback, South Africa too were able to mount one of their own. Chloe Tryon and Luus made 55 off 68 to help the innings pick up pace before the former was dismissed. Trisha Chetty and Luus then punished the Pakistan bowlers during their stand of 34 off 26 to ensure South Africa had momentum towards the end of the innings.