Proteas march on at World Cup after thrilling final over Pakistan victory

It was far from clinical, and the game was in the balance for large periods, but the Proteas secured a thrilling 6-run victory over Pakistan in their second World Cup clash in Mount Maunganui on Friday. 

Chasing 224 for victory, Pakistan went into the final over needing 10 for the win, and it was Shabnim Ismail who was tasked with bowling it. 

SCORECARD | Proteas v Pakistan

The South African speedster was cool under pressure and conceded just three in five balls that included a stunning catch off her own bowling. 

Pakistan were all out for 217, falling just short. 

South Africa have now won their opening two matches at the tournament, but their schedule gets significantly more difficult from here with fixtures against England, New Zealand, Australia, West Indies and India to come. 

As was the case in their tournament opener against Bangladesh, the victory was comfortable enough in the end, but the Proteas will know that they need to be significantly improved in all departments if they are going to mount a serious challenge in New Zealand.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first as the Proteas welcomed back star opener Lizelle Lee, who came in for Laura Goodall with Tazmin Brits shifting down to No 3. 

Lee failed on her return, and was out for just 2 (7) and when Brits fell in the eighth over for 2 (18), South Africa were in real trouble at 21/2. 

Laura Wolvaardt (75 off 91) and skipper Sune Luus (62 off 102) then combined for what was essentially a match-winning partnership, putting on an 89-run stand for the third wicket that got South Africa going. 

A flurry of wickets in the middle-order then reduced the Proteas to 120/5, but important knocks from Chloe Tryon (31 off 38) and wicketkeeper Trisha Chetty (31 off 26) saw them