Pakistan women ended a drought of over five years and etched a new chapter in their cricket history with a remarkable 10-run triumph over hosts New Zealand in the second T20I of their three-match series at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin on Tuesday.

Demonstrating a substantial improvement, the Greenshirts compiled a competitive total of 137 for six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Their bowlers then delivered a stellar performance, effectively restricting the hosts and securing a series-clinching victory.

HISTORY MADE IN DUNEDIN 🤩@imfatimasana bowls with fire to help Pakistan claim a remarkable series win over New Zealand! 🙌#NZWvPAKW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/PRwluRJDqU

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 5, 2023

This victory holds significant importance as it marks the first time Pakistan has secured a T20I series win against the White Ferns, establishing a historic milestone. Additionally, it stands as their first T20I series triumph away from home and outise Asia. The win was their first overall since their success against Bangladesh in October 2018. Pakistan’s resurgence in Dunedin reflects their growing prowess and resilience on the international cricket stage.

Pakistan post their highest T20I total against New Zealand 🏏

Bowling effort up next ☄️#NZWvPAKW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/13TLCsPiwn

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 5, 2023

New Zealand women had a record of 8-0 against Pakistan women in T20Is before the start of December 2023. But, two back-to-back games changed everything for Pakistani girls.

Top bowling in the first 1️⃣0️⃣ overs 👏@imfatimasana and @sadiaiqbal45 among the wickets as New Zealand are 54-4 🏏#NZWvPAKW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/kXo1BQcTqi

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 5, 2023

After winning the first game by seven wickets at the same venue, the Girls in Green outclassed their opponents by 10 runs in the second game to ensure a decisive lead of 2-0.

.@CoolNidadar picks up her wicket No. 1️⃣3️⃣0️⃣, making her the joint-leading wicket-taker in Women's T20Is alongside Megan Schutt! 🥇#NZWvPAKW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/wQ5ZF0ryM2

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 5, 2023

For Pakistan, Aalia Riaz scored 32 off 22 balls hitting one shot over the boundary and three strokes to the fence. Muneeba Ali, the opener, scored 35.

In reply, New Zealand was once 89/6, thanks to disciplined bowling by Pakistanis before Georgia Pimmer and Hamma Rowe fought back and made an attempt to bring the hosts back into the game.

A vital innings of 32* from 22 balls 🏏@aliya_riaz37 is the player of the match in the second T20I 🌟#NZWvPAKW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/D9aUzWDjhv

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 5, 2023

However, they remained 10 runs short as Fatima Sana successfully defended 17 runs off the last over. She claimed three wickets while Sadia Iqbal sent two players back to the pavilion.

The home side looked helpless against the Pakistani bowling attack and with never-ending struggle, could only score 127-6 in the allocated overs.

That sweet series win feeling 👍🤗#NZWvPAKW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/cs6rKRrjNy

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 5, 2023

Schedule of remaining matches:

Third T20I: December 9, Sir John Davies Oval, Queenstown

First ODI: December 12, Sir John Davies Oval, Queenstown

Second ODI: December 15, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Third ODI: December 18, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Here are the highlights of the first T20I”