Despite all-rounder Nida Dar’s fine 55, Pakistan was not able to chase down their target of 224 in Tauranga, New Zealand.

South Africa, who batted first, lost their first wicket in the third over as Lizelle Lee was caught behind by Sidra Nawaz after just seven balls.

Nawaz once again took a stunning catch five overs later as Tazmin Brits was dismissed for two runs to leave South Africa on 21 for two.

Wolvaardt then steadied the ship for South Africa as she scored 75 off 91 balls before being dismissed by Ghulam Fatima, who had returned to one-day internationals after a five-year gap.  

Mignon du Preez fell in the same over for a duck after a sensational diving catch from Omaima Sohail.

Ghulam was not finished as Marizanne Kapp was her next victim after sending a straight shot to Sidra Ameen as South Africa slipped to 120 for five.  

Sune Luss and Chloe Tryon then added 55 for the sixth wicket before Tryon departed for 31 as she was caught and bowled by Nashra Sundhu.

Luus was dismissed lbw after scoring 62 from 102 balls.

South Africa’s innings at the Bay Oval ended after Fatima Sana got Shabnim Ismail and Trisha Chetty in the same over as the Proteas ended on 223 for nine.

Ismail’s response with the ball in the seventh over helped South Africa’s defence of their target get off to a perfect start as she dismissed Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof back-to-back in what was also a maiden over with Pakistan reduced to 26 for two.

Sohail and Nahida Khan’s 69-run partnership balanced the tie before Ayabonga Khaka struck to get her fifth wicket of the tournament.

Dar joined Omaima, who continued her fine form to pile pressure on South Africa.

Masabata Klaas gave away an expensive 11 runs before getting out Omaima for 65.

Aliya Riaz was the next victim for a duck in the match leaving Pakistan needing 79 runs from 70 balls.

Fatima and Ameen would soon follow before two crucial run outs earned South Africa a narrow six-run win.

The victory means South Africa are one of four teams jointly leading the standings on four points, with Pakistan winless and rooted to the bottom of the table.

West Indies will face India in the next fixture tomorrow, being played at Seddon Park in Hamilton.