Aayal QureshiDubai: New Zealand Women’s cricket team powered into the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup with a comprehensive 54-run victory over Pakistan in their final group match on Monday. Exceptional performances from Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson were key, with off-spinner Carson taking 2-7 from her three overs and Kerr claiming 3-14, bowling out Pakistan for just 56 in 11.4 overs.
New Zealand, who posted a total of 110-6 off their 20 overs, became the second team from Group A to make it to the last four, following holders Australia who finished on top. This defeat ended Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying and also eliminated India from the tournament.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine reflected on the achievement, saying, “It hasn’t sunk in yet. We will certainly celebrate tonight but this is just the next stage of a tournament we are looking forward to.”
Pakistan needed to reach their target in just 10.4 overs to improve their net run rate enough to overtake New Zealand in the standings. However, their chase started shakily, losing openers Aliya Riaz for nought and Muneeba Ali for 15 within the first five overs. The collapse continued as Sadaf Shamas was bowled for two by Fran Jonas, and Iram Javed was run out for three by a direct throw from Lea Tahuhu. At 28-5 by the end of the powerplay, Pakistan never recovered.
Captain Fatima Sana, who had returned to the team after briefly flying home due to her father’s death, fought valiantly, scoring 21 runs in a losing cause. “We were good with the ball but we have to improve our batting and fielding,” Sana said, reflecting on Pakistan’s eight dropped catches. “We were not up to the mark. I think our seniors should step up in these kinds of matches.”
New Zealand began their innings steadily after choosing to bat first, with Suzie Bates (28) and Georgia Plimmer (17) sharing a 41-run opening partnership. Pakistan struck back soon after the powerplay, dismissing both openers and Kerr (nine) in quick succession. Pakistan’s sloppy fielding, highlighted by Sidra Amin’s dropped catch of Sophie Devine when on 14, proved costly. Devine was eventually caught for 19 by Fatima Sana at long on off Sadia Iqbal. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu was Pakistan’s most successful bowler, taking 3-18, including the wicket of Brooke Halliday for 22.
