New Zealand booked their spot in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, knocking out both India and Pakistan with a dominant 54-run triumph over Pakistan in Dubai on Monday.
Chasing a target of 111, Pakistan needed to reach the total in quick time to qualify, while a slower successful chase would have seen India advance. However, a strong bowling display from New Zealand and Pakistan’s aggressive approach saw the match end in just 11.4 overs, with Pakistan bowled out for 56.
Suzie Bates top-scored for New Zealand with 28 runs, while several other batters made starts. Despite Pakistan’s spinners keeping the total in check, with Nashra Sandhu impressing with figures of 3/18, New Zealand managed to post 110/6. Catches were dropped throughout the innings, but Pakistan’s task of chasing 111 in 10.4 overs to progress on net run rate (NRR) proved too daunting.
Pakistan started aggressively in their innings, with Muneeba Ali hitting 15 from 11 balls. But wickets began to fall quickly, with Muneeba, Aliya Riaz (0), Sadaf Shamas (2), and Iram Javed (3) all departing early as the required run rate escalated. Fatima Sana was the only batter besides Muneeba to reach double figures, scoring 21, but Pakistan collapsed to 56 all out.
Melie Kerr took 3/14, including the key wickets of Sana and Nida Dar, while Eden Carson’s economical spell of 2/7 from three overs stifled Pakistan’s momentum. Earlier, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine won the toss and opted to bat. The White Ferns made a strong start, reaching 39/0 after the powerplay, but Pakistan fought back in the middle overs, led by Nashra Sandhu.
Despite contributions from Brooke Halliday (22) and Devine (19), Pakistan’s fielding woes, with eight dropped catches, prevented them from fully capitalizing. In the end, New Zealand’s bowling attack was too much for Pakistan, sealing their place in the next stage of the tournament.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand: 110/6 (Suzie Bates 28, Brooke Halliday 22, Nashra Sandhu 3/18)
Pakistan: 56 in 11.4 overs (Fatima Sana 21, Muneeba Ali 15, Melie Kerr 3/14).
