In match no. 19 of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan enters a must-win game against New Zealand following two consecutive losses, while the latter are looking to build on their momentum after securing a win in their last match. The game will be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, commencing at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 14th of October 2024.
Pakistan opened their campaign with a 31-run win against Sri Lanka, defending 116. However, they lost to India by 6 wickets while defending 105 and faced a heavy 9-wicket defeat to Australia after scoring just 82. On the other hand, New Zealand started with a commanding 58-run victory over India, bowling them out for 102 while defending 160. They then lost to Australia by 60 runs while chasing 148 but bounced back with an 8-wicket win over Sri Lanka, successfully chasing down 116.
Squads:
Pakistan women’s cricket team
Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan
New Zealand women’s cricket team
Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
Players to watch out:
Aliya Riaz
The 32-year-old all-rounder, from 83 T20I outings, has accumulated 1142 runs at an average of 20.76, and from 32 bowling innings, has struck 20 wickets at an economy rate of 7.94. Aliya had a notable series against South Africa recently, registering scores of 52*, 17*, and 8, and followed up her poor start of 0 and 4 in this World Cup league games with a 26 in her most recent outing, and hopefully, she can capitalize on this return to form.
Fatima Sana
The 22-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, from 43 outings, has scalped 35 wickets at an economy rate of 7.27, and from 28 innings, has added 359 runs at a strike rate of 117.32. Fatima has been in outstanding form with both bat and ball lately, chipping in with scores of 30 and 13 in the first couple of league games, alongside producing bowling figures of 2/10 and 2/23. She is an in-form player and can be relied upon for the goods.
Sophie Devine
The 35-year-old all-rounder, from 136 T20Is, has racked up 3354 runs at a strike rate of 121.65, and from 120 bowling innings, has picked up 117 wickets at an economy rate of 6.58, with bests of 105 and 4/22. Sophie put behind her poor form by registering scores of 35* and 24 in the World Cup warm-up games, and followed up with scores of 57*, 7, and 17* in the league games. She can be counted on to deliver another important knock.
Lea Tahuhu
The 34-year-old pacer, from 92 T20I innings, has bagged 91 wickets, including the best of 4/6, maintaining an economy rate of 6.27. Lea had a strong lead-up to the World Cup and carried that momentum into the campaign, returning figures of 1/28 and 2/14 in the warm-up games and 3/15 in the first league game. Though she finished wicketless in her previous outings, she can be banked upon for breakthroughs and handy runs.
Pitch:
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium dishes out a fairly balanced center wicket that offers runs for batters and provides a good amount of assistance to bowlers as well. The average score at the venue is in the 120s, and spinners have the upper hand on this wicket.
Weather:
It will be a pleasant day in Dubai for some cricket, with clear skies and a low chance of rain. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 32°C, with moderate winds and a humidity level of 46%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Muneeba Ali, Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Melie Kerr, Nida Dar, Sophie Devine, Fatima Sana, Leigh Kasperek, Sadia Iqbal, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair
Match details:
Date – October 14, 2024
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Broadcast – In India, the game will be telecasted by the Star Sports Network and will be available for live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
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