Dream debut: South Africa newbie's last-ball six trumps Pakistan skipper’s record-breaking knock

Fatima Sana smashes world record

Pakistan posted 180-9 after Fatima Sana won the toss and opted to bat at the Senwes Park. A score of that order seemed highly improbable when Sana came out to bat at 64-6 in the 10th over. However, Sana exploded after the 15th over, lifting Pakistan from 103-6 to 180-9.

The Pakistan captain herself finished on 90 in 41 balls with nine fours and seven sixes, setting a new world record for the highest score in women’s T20 while batting at No.8 or lower.

For the hosts, Ayanda Hlubi had 3-41 in her three overs and Nonkuleleko Mlaba 2-40 in her four, but debutant Reyneke impressed as much, returning 4-1-13-2 with her off-breaks. It was hardly surprising for Reyneke, who had led South Africa to the final of the 2025 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and had finished with 11 wickets (the third-most) at a ridiculous 6.27 while going at 4.14 an over.

Highest scores from No.8 or lower in women’s T20

Note: The next entry from a match between two nations is Arran Brindle’s 27-ball 39 for England against Pakistan at Loughborough in 2013.

Debutant Kayle Reyneke helps South Africa pull off heist

But Reyneke was not done. Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s 38-ball 61, South Africa were left to chase 34 in four overs when Reyneke joined Annerie Dercksen. After an economical 17th over, Reyneke hit Ayesha Zafar for a six to bring the target down to 20 in two overs. In the 19th over, she hit Sana for a six as well, but ten runs remained when Humna Bilal began the last over.

The batters ran four singles off the first five balls, punctuated by a boundary from Dercksen. With two to score off the last ball, Reyneke hit a six to seal the chase. She remained unbeaten on a 16-ball 29 with a four and three sixes.

In the history of women’s T20Is, Reyneke became the first debutant to bowl her full quota, take two wickets, go for under four an over, and face 15 balls while striking at 140.

This was also the third-highest successfully chased target in the history of women’s T20Is.

A dream start to an international career! ✨

Kayla Reyneke makes a stunning entrance, claiming her first T20I wicket in her very first over! 🤩

What a phenomenal young talent! 🇿🇦#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/O0UEZOUENi

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) February 10, 2026