Pakistan secured a 13-run win in the second women’s T20I against the Proteas in Multan on Wednesday to level the series 1-1.

The hosts posted 181-4, thanks to Muneeba Ali’s quickfire 45 off 34 balls (six fours, two sixes).

In response, Suné Luus’ 53 off 29 deliveries (six fours, one six) was in vain as South Africa were restricted to 168-4.

South Africa elected to field after winning the toss. Openers Ali and Guli Feroza (10) got Pakistan off to a solid start, before Tumi Sekhukhune (2-30) dismissed Feroza in the fourth over.

Despite the early wicket, Pakistan reached 45-1 at the end of the powerplay, with Ali leading the charge.

Annerie Dercksen (1-23) provided a crucial breakthrough in the 11th over, dismissing the in-form Ali just five runs short of her half-century. Luus (1-10) then removed Sidra Amin (28), leaving Pakistan 102-3 after 13 overs.

Fatima Sana (37*) and Nida Dar (29) accelerated in the final overs, sharing a 50-run partnership before Dar was dismissed by Sekhukhune in the penultimate over.

A late cameo by Aliya Riaz (17*) added 14 runs in the final over.

Needing 182 runs to seal the three-match series, South Africa were pegged back in the third over as Tazmin Brits (nine) found the fielder in the deep off the bowling of Sadia Iqbal (2-27).

On the back of disciplined lines and lengths from the Pakistani bowlers, the Proteas’ Laura Wolvaardt (36) and Anneke Bosch (24) deployed a measured approach at the crease before upping the ante to mark the chase with a crucial stand for the second wicket worth 50 runs.

With the visitors on 62-1 in the ninth over, Wolvaardt advanced down the ground to take the game to the opponents before having her stumps dismantled off the bowling of Nashra Sandhu (2-20).

It didn’t take too long before Pakistan picked up another vital wicket as Iqbal removed Bosch for her second wicket, shortly followed by Sandhu’s second to see the back of Nadine de Klerk (12) to leave the Proteas on the back foot on 88-4, still needing 94 runs to win.

Luus and Chloé Tryon (30*) fought back, adding another 50-run stand. Luus brought up her fifth career fifty, but with 23 runs required off the final over, sub-fielder Tasmia Rubab (0-45) held her nerve, limiting South Africa to just nine.

The third and final T20I will get underway on Friday (7am SA time).

Photo: @TheRealPCB/X