Pakistan clinched a 13-run victory over South Africa in the second T20I, thanks to an excellent bowling effort by left-arm spinners Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal, as well as a solid all-around batting display in Multan.
Despite an unbeaten 80-run partnership between Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon — South Africa's highest fifth-wicket stand in T20Is — the visitors fell short of chasing down Pakistan’s total of 181.
Batting first, Pakistan lost opener Gull Feroza in the fourth over, but Muneeba Ali provided a strong foundation, helping the team reach 45 runs during the powerplay. Muneeba hit six fours and two sixes in her knock of 45 from 34 balls, sharing a 49-run stand with Sidra Amin. The duo attacked bowler Seshnie Naidu before Muneeba was dismissed by Annerie Dercksen in the 11th over.
After Amin fell in the 13th over, Nida Dar and captain Fatima Sana combined for a crucial 60-run partnership, lifting Pakistan past 150. Aliya Riyaz then added a late flourish, smashing Ayanda Hlubi for 6, 4, and 4 in the final three balls of the innings, taking Pakistan to 181.
In reply, Iqbal struck early to dismiss Tazmin Britz, while captain Laura Wolvaardt steadied the innings with a 50-run stand alongside Anneke Bosch. However, as South Africa's required run rate neared 11 per over, Sandhu made a key breakthrough by removing Wolvaardt for 36. Iqbal and Sandhu quickly followed up by dismissing Bosch and Nadine de Klerk in consecutive overs, with Sandhu finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 20, and Iqbal claiming 2 for 27.
Despite Luus' 53 off 29 balls and Tryon's 30 from 16, South Africa couldn't overcome the mounting run rate. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling secured the win, leveling the series.