Nida Dar delivered a masterclass in all-round cricket, but her efforts weren't enough to stop South Africa from winning the fourth T20I in Benoni by four wickets. Dar's explosive batting led to the second-fastest half-century ever seen in women's T20Is, propelling Pakistan to 172 for 5, one of their strongest team totals. She remained a threat with the ball, finishing with 1 for 21, but Lizelle Lee's boundary-heavy 60 was the difference-maker for the hosts. South Africa managed to recover from a brief mid-innings slump to chase down the total with five balls left, equalizing the series at 2-2.
Pakistan's innings started slowly, showing no sign of the fireworks to come as they struggled to 19 for 2 in the Powerplay after losing Sidra Ameen and Javeria Khan early. However, Nida Dar soon took control, smashing her second six to move into the 30s. The onslaught intensified in the 11th over when Nondumiso Shangase, making only her second T20I appearance, was introduced; Dar punished her with another six and three boundaries, reaching her fifty in just 20 balls. Meanwhile, Bismah Maroof played a patient role before accelerating in Nadine de Klerk's final over, hitting four consecutive fours to push the score past the 100-run mark.
The runs really started to flow when Nondumiso Shangase, playing in just her second T20I, was brought on in the 11th over. Dar collected another six and three fours, the third of which raised a 20-ball fifty. At the other end, Bismah Maroof took her time to settle down, but she too opened up in Nadine de Klerk’s final over, spanking four fours in a row to push Pakistan’s score beyond 100.