Women's Cricket World Cup: Proteas Hold Their Nerve in Tense Win Over Pakistan

• South Africa maintained its perfect start to the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand
• The Proteas held their nerve to edge a plucky Pakistan by six runs at the Bay Oval in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
• The intriguing encounter went down to the final over, which was unexpected as the South Africans were hotly favoured to make light work over the Pakistanis

The Proteas' bowlers were in top form in ensuring that South Africa remained unbeaten in the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup at the Bay Oval on Friday morning.

South Africa had to sweat to hold off a plucky Pakistan with a six-run victory. Batting first, the Proteas reached 223/9 in 50 overs, before dismissing Pakistan for 217 in 49.5 over.

Laura Wolvaardt's 75 runs and Sune Luus supporting 62 anchored South Africa's innings. The ultra-reliable Chloe Tryon and Trisha Chetty both chipped in with 31 runs each to carry the team to a challenging total.

Sarel Erwee stars with maiden Test century as the Proteas finally pitch up for series against New Zealand

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Fatima Sana Khan (3-43) and Ghulam Fatima (3-52) were the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan as they continuously pegged the Proteas back from posting a mammoth total.

In the chase Omaima Sohail's 65 almost carried the day when it was their turn to bat. Nida Dar scored 55 runs, while Nahida Khan contributed 40 as the Pakistanis frustrated South Africa.

Player-of-the-match Shabnim Ismail led the way with figures of three wickets for 41 runs from nine overs. Uncannily, Marizanne Kapp and Ayanda Khaka had identical bowling figures of 10 overs bowled, 43 runs conceded and two wickets were taken as the team navigated shoddy fielding to win the match.

South Africans can wake up at 3am on Monday morning to watch their team take on England in a must-win encounter for the latter.

India look for 'mental adjustments' in pink ball Test

Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah on Friday said India are still getting used to Test cricket under lights as they take on Sri Lanka in their third pink-ball match at home.

South Africa takes control of second Test match in Christchurch against New Zealand thanks to Kagiso Rabada

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As reported on Sports Brief, the hosts are looking to sweep the two-match series in Bangalore after a thumping opening Test win inside three days.

But Bumrah said the team is entering unchartered territory despite having won their previous two day-night Tests on home soil against Bangladesh in 2019 and England last year.