The Proteas Women drew first blood in their tour to Pakistan with a 10-run win in the first T20 International in Multan on Monday.

The three-match series forms an important part of both teams’ preparations for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates in October.

South Africa had a bat first and scored 132/4 in their allotted 20 overs thanks to 56 not out by Tazmin Brits and 27 by the former captain Suné Luus. Brits hit five fours in her innings which was rather patient by her standards, as she faced 63 deliveries.

The allrounder Chloe Tryon also made a big contribution with the bat, albeit she only scored 15 not out. This did, however, come off seven balls and included two big sixes. This was also Tryon's 100th ODI for South Africa.

In reply, Aliya Riaz scored 52 not out and the captain Fatima Sana scored an unbeaten 37 as Pakistan was restricted to 122/5 in their innings.

Tumi Sekhukhune was the pick of the South African bowlers with 2/15 in her 3 overs, said Brits, and Luus set up the victory. The veteran allrounder, Marizanne Kapp, set the tone with the ball upfront and she finished with figures of 2/22 in her 4 overs. Seshnie Naidu who was on debut took 1/25 in her 3 overs.

Seshnie Naidu. Picture: Cricinfo

“With our batting we actually started really slow today,” said the seam bowler. “We knew that coming to Pakistan that we were going to get spinners bowling to use for 20 overs.

“I feel like with Tazmin Brits hanging in there until the last ball of the innings, that was quite exciting, and Suné coming in as well to help here, that was really good.”

The second T20 International in Multan will be played on Wednesday and the first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 16:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg/mvh