By Deepak Sharma (Indian Correspondent)
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
New Zealand claimed a commanding 54-run win against Pakistan to advance to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals, marking their first appearance in the knockout stages since 2016.
Opting to bat first, Sophie Devine’s New Zealand side struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined spin attack, managing a modest total of 110 for six in their 20 overs.
In response, Pakistan crumbled to 56 all out – the second-lowest team total in the tournament’s history – eliminating both Pakistan and India from Group A contention.
Openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer gave New Zealand a strong start, racing to 39 without loss during the powerplay. Bates played a steady hand at a run-a-ball pace through the first six overs, surviving an LBW review and a dropped catch at midwicket when she was on 20.
However, Pakistan clawed their way back into the contest through their spinners. Nashra Sandhu got the breakthrough when Plimmer, attempting an aggressive shot, skied the ball to Fatima Sana and was dismissed for 17.
New Zealand then went 54 deliveries without finding the boundary as Nashra and Omaima Sohail applied the brakes, reducing their scoring rate. Bates eventually perished for 28, miscuing a shot to Nida Dar at long-on.
Amelia Kerr struggled to get going and was caught by Fatima for just nine from 17 deliveries, giving Omaima her first wicket.
Despite the pressure, Brooke Halliday broke the boundary drought with two crucial fours in the 15th over, boosting New Zealand’s total. Pakistan missed key opportunities in the field, allowing Halliday and Devine to put together a patient stand before both fell in quick succession at 96 for five.
Late contributions from Maddy Green and Isabella Gaze helped New Zealand finish with a competitive score of 110.
Pakistan faced a daunting challenge, needing to reach the target within 10.4 overs to keep their semi-final hopes alive. In a surprise move, Aliya Riaz opened the innings, replacing Gull Feroza, but the experiment backfired as she fell early, caught by Devine off the bowling of Eden Carson.
New Zealand’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Lea Tahuhu struck to remove Muneeba Ali for 15, and Fran Jonas picked up two quick wickets in her first over. Sadaf Shamas was bowled, and Iram Javed was run out attempting a risky single, leaving Pakistan reeling at 28 for five.
Sidra Amin was bowled by Rosemary Mair for a golden duck, and despite a brief resistance from Fatima Sana and Nida Dar, the pair couldn’t stop the collapse. Nida was stumped for 14, and the final five wickets fell for just four runs, handing Pakistan their lowest-ever total at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Match Summary
New Zealand: 110/6 from 20 overs (Suzie Bates 28, Brooke Halliday 22; Nashra Sandhu 3/18, Omaima Sohail 1/14)
Pakistan: 56 all out from 11.4 overs (Fatima Sana 21, Muneeba Ali 15; Amelia Kerr 3/14, Eden Carson 2/7)
Result: New Zealand won by 54 runs.