New Zealand Secures Semifinal Spot with Dominant Win Over Pakistan in Women's T20 World Cup

Posted : 15 October 2024

Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson led a powerful bowling effort that pushed New Zealand into the Women's T20 World Cup semifinals with a decisive 54-run victory over Pakistan in their final group game. Offspinner Carson, named Player of the Match, was pivotal, taking 2-7 from her three overs, while Kerr added three wickets for just 14 runs. New Zealand bowled Pakistan out for a mere 56 runs in just 11.4 overs, marking a commanding end to their group-stage campaign.

New Zealand’s innings had seen them post a total of 110-6 after batting first. This victory ensured their spot as the second team from Group A in the semifinals, alongside Australia, who topped the group.

Pakistan’s defeat not only ended their own hopes but also sealed India’s elimination from the tournament, with India’s earlier 58-run loss to New Zealand proving costly in the standings. New Zealand captain Sophie Devine expressed excitement over their semifinal qualification, stating, “It hasn’t sunk in yet... but this is just the next stage of a tournament we are looking forward to.”

To keep their chances alive, Pakistan needed to chase down New Zealand's total in just 10.4 overs to improve their net run rate. However, they struggled from the start, losing Aliya Riaz for a duck and Muneeba Ali for 15 within the opening five overs.

Pakistan’s innings continued to spiral, with Sadaf Shamas bowled by Fran Jonas and Iram Javed run out by Lea Tahuhu’s direct throw, leaving Pakistan reeling at 28-5 at the end of the powerplay and unable to recover.

Skipper Fatima Sana, who had rejoined the team after a brief return to Pakistan following her father’s passing, played valiantly, scoring 21 but lacked support. Reflecting on their performance, Sana acknowledged Pakistan’s struggles in batting and fielding, notably the eight dropped catches, and urged senior players to step up in crucial matches.

New Zealand’s innings had begun on a steady note with openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer putting on 41 runs, though Pakistan's Nashra Sandhu was effective with the ball, taking 3-18. Despite some dropped catches, Pakistan’s fielding lapses proved costly, ultimately allowing New Zealand to control the game.

New Zealand Secures Semifinal Spot with Dominant Win Over Pakistan in Women's T20 World Cup

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