Wolvaardt's knock not enough for Proteas women as Pakistan clean sweep T20 series

Captain Laura Wolvaardt's sparkling half-century was not enough as the Proteas women fell short on Monday in the third and final T20I against Pakistan in Karachi.

Pakistan clinched the T20I series 3-0 with a six-run triumph at the National Stadium.

The Proteas were tasked with chasing 151, and things got off to a shaky start as opener Tazmin Brits could only score 18 before she was bowled by Nashra Sandhu.

Anneke Bosch got her first taste with the bat and stuck around for 10 before she was caught and bowled by Sandhu.

Wolvaardt then put on a 49-run partnership with former captain Sune Luus, before Luus was caught off Sadia Iqbal for just 13 off 17.

Wolvaardt looked primed to lead her side to a consolation win as she brought up her fifty off just 37 balls.

Needing 21 off the final two overs, Wolvaardt attempted to go big but was caught off Iqbal for a stunning 72 off 54 balls (hitting nine boundaries).

The Proteas eventually fell six runs short as the T20 Women's World Cup finalists were restricted to 144-5.

Earlier, after sending Pakistan to bat first, the visitors restricted the hosts to 150-5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Partnerships were key for Pakistan as Sidra Ameen and Shawaal Zulfiqar opened up with a 41-run first-wicket stand before Nonkululeko Mlaba struck as she removed Zulfiqar for 19.

Bismah Maroof then went on to share a 49-run partnership with Ameen, who scored a run-a-ball 39 before Tumi Sekhukhune had her caught.

Maroof also put on 49 with captain Nida Dar before she departed for 39 off 34 balls.

Dar smashed the Proteas bowlers out of the park with a quick-fire 36 off 20 balls (hitting five fours and a six) before she became Sekhukhune's second victim.

The first of three ODIs between the two sides gets underway from