Dercksen’s explosive 90 and three crucial wickets power South Africa to a 16-run win in Centurion as the hosts seal the ICC Women’s Championship series

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South Africa secured the ODI series against Pakistan after a breathtaking high-scoring contest in Centurion, where both teams combined for a staggering 706 runs in the second match of the three-game ICC Women’s Championship series. In a game dominated by aggressive stroke play and momentum swings, it was Annerie Dercksen’s outstanding all-round performance that proved decisive.

Dercksen Leads South Africa’s Batting Charge

After Pakistan opted to field, South Africa made their intentions clear early. Tazmin Brits and captain Laura Wolvaardt laid a solid foundation with a brisk 55-run opening stand inside nine overs. Brits was particularly fluent, striking 77 off 62 balls and setting the tone for the innings.

Although Faye Tunnicliffe and Brits fell in quick succession, South Africa’s middle order ensured there was no slowdown. Sune Luus partnered Dercksen in a crucial 102-run stand for the fourth wicket, shifting complete control back to the hosts.

Dercksen then accelerated dramatically, smashing 90 off just 68 balls in a counterattacking display that dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack. Chloe Tryon added further impetus with 37 off 23 deliveries, while Nadine de Klerk’s late blitz of 49 from 26 balls powered South Africa to an imposing 361. Among Pakistan’s bowlers, Syeda Aroob Shah stood out with figures of 2 for 49 from her ten overs.

Pakistan’s Brave Chase Falls Short

Chasing 362 was always going to demand consistency and partnerships, and Pakistan showed admirable fight. However, Dercksen struck early with the ball, removing Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin inside the first six overs to put South Africa in control.

Sadaf Shamas and Ayesha Zafar responded with a strong 97-run partnership, reviving Pakistan’s hopes. Shamas made 61 off 62 balls, while Zafar contributed a steady 75 from 68 deliveries. By the 30-over mark, Pakistan were 197 for 5, still within striking distance.

But regular wickets ultimately hurt their chase. Nondumiso Shangase removed Zafar and Aliya Riaz in quick succession, tilting momentum back toward South Africa.

Captain Fatima Sana kept Pakistan’s hopes alive with a powerful 52 off 36 balls, adding 81 runs with Aroob for the seventh wicket. Aroob chipped in with 40, and Diana Baig remained unbeaten on 38 off 25 balls, but Pakistan lacked a set top-order batter in the final overs to complete the chase. They finished 16 runs short in a thrilling encounter.

South Africa Seal the Series

With this victory, South Africa sealed the ODI series after already winning the preceding T20I series 2-1. The third and final ODI will be played in Durban on Sunday, but the hosts have already secured the trophy.

Annerie Dercksen’s match-winning all-round display — combining a rapid 90 with three crucial wickets — will be remembered as the defining performance of the series, underlining South Africa’s growing strength in women’s international cricket.