The Proteas suffered a last-ball, five-wicket defeat to Pakistan in the first women’s T20I in Karachi on Friday.

After being put in to bat, the Proteas got off to a positive start as openers Tazmin Brits (78 off 64 balls) and  Laura Wolvaardt (44 off 38), put on an 85-run partnership, before the new captain fell to Nashra Sandhu in the 13th over.

Brits then took charge, going on to bring up her eighth T20I fifty and her highest score. She found a willing partner in experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp (19) before eventually falling in the final over as South Africa ended on 150-3.

Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana each picked up a wicket.

HIGHLIGHTS: Pakistan vs Proteas (1st Women’s T20I)

Sidra Ameen (33) and Bismah Maroof (37) then helped Pakistan reach 57-2 at the end of the ninth over.

Despite suffering four run outs, the hosts held their nerve and navigated their way out of trouble with the help of Aliya Riaz’ undefeated knock of 28 as the veteran all-rounder scored six of the eight runs required in the last over to hand Pakistan a memorable victory.

Kapp took South Africa’s sole wicket with ball in hand, while Suné Luus showed her fielding prowess with two run outs in the field.

The second T20I gets underway on Sunday from 7:30pm (4:30pm SA time) at the same venue, with the third on Monday.