Brits’s 171 not out helps South Africa set massive target for Pakistan in second ODI

LAHORE: Opening batter Tazmin Brits’s monumental 171-run knock led South Africa to a formidable total against Pakistan in the rain-affected second ODI of the three-match series here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana’s decision to bat first backfired as the touring side piled 292/3 after the match was reduced to 46 overs per side due to a rain interruption. The home side will need to chase down a revised target of 313 in 46 overs as per the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method to stay alive in the series. South Africa’s opening pair of Brits and skipper Laura Wolvaardt laid a solid foundation for a mammoth total by putting together a marathon 260-run stand, which eventually culminated with the former’s dismissal in the 44th over.

Wolvaardt scored 100 off 129 deliveries, laced with 10 boundaries before falling victim to Diana Baig. Following her dismissal, South Africa lost two more wickets in quick succession but Brits remained firm and carried her bat all the way through to ensure a strong finish.

She remained the top-scorer for South Africa with an unbeaten 171 off 141 deliveries, studded with 20 fours and four sixes. Diana Baig remained the solitary wicket-taker for Pakistan, making two scalps for 45 runs in her five overs. Monitoring Desk