In a dramatic finish, New Zealand crushed Pakistan by 54 runs in their final group match to qualify for the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time since 2016. The result dashed Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the last four, while India’s brief hopes of qualification were also extinguished.
New Zealand Women: 110 for 6 (Bates 28, Halliday 22, Sandhu 3-18)
Pakistan Women: 56 (Sana 21, Kerr 3-14, Carson 2-7)
New Zealand women beat Pakistan women by 54 runs
New Zealand’s Innings
Batting first, New Zealand posted a modest total of 110 for 6 in their 20 overs, with Brooke Halliday (22) and Suzie Bates (28) being the key contributors. Despite a promising start, New Zealand struggled to accelerate against Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Nashra Sandhu, who starred with 3 wickets for 18 runs.
Bates and Halliday led the way in the powerplay, hitting five boundaries in the first five overs, but Pakistan’s bowlers struck back, capitalizing on dropped chances and keeping New Zealand in check. Bates, who was dropped twice, fell for 28, while Georgia Plimmer (15) also failed to convert her start.
Despite some late resistance from Halliday, New Zealand could not push past 110, leaving Pakistan with a chase that seemed achievable at the halfway stage. Sandhu, Nida Dar, and Omaima Sohail all took a wicket, but New Zealand’s batting was stifled by Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and fielding.
Pakistan’s Chase
In reply, Pakistan needed to chase down the 101-run target within 12 overs to qualify for the semi-finals. However, their chase started disastrously as they lost five wickets in the powerplay, slipping to 28 for 5. Aliya Riaz was dismissed early for a duck, and Muneeba Ali (15) followed soon after, as Lea Tahuhu and Eden Carson reduced Pakistan to a precarious position.
Only a brief 24-run partnership between Nida Dar (9) and Fatima Sana (21) provided some resistance, but once Dar was dismissed, Pakistan’s collapse was swift and inevitable. They lost their last five wickets for just four runs, bowled out for 56 in the 12th over.
New Zealand’s bowlers, especially Amelia Kerr (3 for 14) and Eden Carson (2 for 7), were outstanding, with the spin duo taking control of the game and wrapping up Pakistan’s innings in no time. Pakistan’s 56 was their lowest total in T20 World Cups.
New Zealand’s win ended their 10-match losing streak in the competition and sealed their semi-final spot. Pakistan’s failure to chase the target within the required time ensured they were knocked out, and India’s qualification hopes were also dashed.
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