New Zealand beat Pakistan to qualify for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final

New Zealand women’s team defeated Pakistan women’s team by 54 runs in the 19th fixture of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on Monday evening. Following tonight’s win, New Zealand qualified for the semi-finals alongside Australia from Group A, while Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka failed to advance to the next stage.

In Group B, England, South Africa and the West Indies in contention for a place in the semi-finals while Bangladesh and Scotland have been knocked out.

Chasing 111 to win, Pakistan got off to a poor start as half of the side were sent back to the pavilion inside the first powerplay with 28 runs on the board. Pakistan were able to add only 28 more runs to be dismissed for 56 in 11.4 overs. This was Pakistan women’s team lowest score in ICC T20 World Cups.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who missed the match against Australia due to the passing of her father, returned to the side and top-scored with a 23-ball 21, hitting two fours.

For the White Ferns, leg-spinner Amelia Kerr bagged three wickets, while player of the match Eden Carson took two wickets for seven runs in three overs.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, White Ferns posted 110 for six in 20 overs. Opening batter Suzie Bates top-scored with a 29-ball 28, which included three fours. Brooke Halliday was the other contributor with the bat, scoring 22 off 24 balls with two fours.

For Pakistan, left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu was the most successful bowler, grabbing three wickets for 18 in four overs.

Following today’s loss, Pakistan’s journey in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 has come to an end. The women’s team featured in four matches with their only win in the tournament coming against Sri Lanka (by 31 runs).

Scores in brief:

New Zealand beat Pakistan by 54 runs

New Zealand 110-6, 20 overs (Suzie Bates 28, Brooke Halliday 22; Nashra Sundhu 3-18)

Pakistan 56 all out, 11.4 overs (Fatima Sana 21; Amelia Kerr 3-14, Eden Carson 2-7)

Player of the match – Eden Carson (New Zealand)