New Zealand Women Storm into Semi-Finals of Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan's Fielding Woes Continue
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| New Zealand Women defended a low total of 110/6 to secure their place in the Women's T20 World Cup Semi-Finals. / Getty |
In a dominant display of all-round cricket, New Zealand Women secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 after defending a modest total of 110 runs against Pakistan Women in a crucial Group A match.
With this victory, they join Australia Women in advancing from the group, leaving Pakistan Women to rue a string of missed opportunities both with the bat and in the field.
New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine won the toss and elected to bat first on a tricky surface, similar to the one where the White Ferns triumphed over India Women earlier in the tournament.
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| New Zealand Women are into the semi-finals of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan Women and India Women get knocked out of the competition. / Getty |
Openers Suzie Bates and Bernadine Bezuidenhout started cautiously, laying a watchful foundation. However, Pakistan Women’s bowlers, led by Nashra Sandhu (3/16), struck back and kept the pressure on, consistently picking up wickets.
Despite Suzie Bates top-scoring with 28 off 29 deliveries, New Zealand found it tough to accelerate, ending their innings at 110/6 in 20 overs.
The total could have been even lower if not for Pakistan’s poor fielding, as the Fatima Sana-led side dropped more than five catches, squandering key opportunities that could have put New Zealand under greater pressure.
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| New Zealand's bowlers dominated, with Amelia Kerr taking 3/14 to dismantle Pakistan's batting lineup. / Getty |
In response, Pakistan Women had a clear target in mind—not only did they need to chase 111 runs, but to qualify for the semi-finals, they had to achieve the target within 10.4 overs.
Muneeba Ali (15 off 11) showed early promise, but her dismissal triggered a collapse. Pakistan Women lost half their side in the powerplay, and their chase fell apart as wickets tumbled in quick succession.
Amelia Kerr (3/14) was the standout performer with the ball for New Zealand, but all the White Ferns bowlers played their part in dismantling the Pakistan batting lineup. Pakistan were bowled out for a dismal 56 in just 11.4 overs, well short of both the target and the qualification cut-off.
New Zealand’s comprehensive win ensured their place in the semi-finals, while Pakistan were left to reflect on a performance marred by fielding lapses and a lack of composure with the bat. It was a disappointing end to the tournament for Pakistan, whose potential to compete was undone by costly mistakes.
With this win, New Zealand Women advance from Group A along with defending champions Australia Women. As the tournament moves into the knockout stage, both teams will be eyeing the coveted title.
Brief Score:
- New Zealand Women: 110/6 in 20 overs (Suzie Bates 28, Nashra Sandhu 3/16)
- Pakistan Women: 56 all out in 11.4 overs (Muneeba Ali 15, Amelia Kerr 3/14)
New Zealand Women won by 54 runs.