Pakistan Women produced a composed all-round performance to defeat Netherlands Women by 37 runs in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup encounter at Bristol. The match showcased Pakistan’s disciplined batting approach followed by a clinical bowling display, as the Netherlands struggled to chase down a competitive target despite a few promising moments during their innings.
Pakistan Women were asked to bat first and focused on building a steady foundation rather than attacking recklessly in the opening overs. The Netherlands bowlers kept things under control early, with Iris Zwilling and Heather Siegers creating pressure with accurate spells. Pakistan lost their first wicket at 15 when Muneeba Ali was dismissed for 12 off 13 balls, hitting two boundaries before being caught off Zwilling’s bowling. However, Pakistan quickly recovered through an important second-wicket partnership between Gull Feroza and Ayesha Zafar.
The pair added 50 runs from 42 balls, stabilising the innings after the early setback. Gull Feroza played the anchor role brilliantly, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries, while Ayesha Zafar provided attacking support. Their partnership helped Pakistan move past the 50-run mark in the ninth over. Ayesha eventually fell for a valuable 32 off 29 balls, including two fours and a six, giving Netherlands a much-needed breakthrough through Siegers.
Gull Feroza continued to dominate after reaching her half-century and remained unbeaten with an impressive 63 off 52 deliveries, smashing nine fours. Her calm approach ensured Pakistan maintained momentum despite regular wickets falling around her. Captain Fatima Sana contributed a quick three before being dismissed by Zwilling, while Eyman Fatima and Iram Javed departed cheaply as Netherlands attempted to apply pressure during the middle overs.
The late stages of Pakistan’s innings saw contributions from Saira Jabeen and Tuba Hassan. Saira scored five off four balls, while Tuba Hassan provided a late flourish with an unbeaten seven off four deliveries, including a boundary. Pakistan eventually finished their innings at 126/6 after 20 overs. For Netherlands, Iris Zwilling was the standout bowler with figures of 2/19 from four overs. Heather Siegers, Caroline de Lange, and Silver Siegers claimed one wicket each, while Hannah Landheer and Robin Rijke also contributed with economical spells.
Chasing 127, Netherlands Women needed a strong start, but Pakistan’s bowling attack immediately applied pressure. Heather Siegers gave Netherlands hope with an aggressive 24 off just 16 balls, striking five boundaries before being dismissed by Diana Baig. Phebe Molkenboer added 8 runs before being run-out by Eyman Fatima, leaving Netherlands under pressure early.
The key partnership for Netherlands came between Babette de Leede and Sterne Kalis. The duo attempted to rebuild the innings after early wickets, but Pakistan’s bowlers continued to maintain control. De Leede scored 30 off 41 balls, while Kalis contributed 12 off 19 deliveries before both were dismissed. Pakistan’s bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals, preventing Netherlands from building the momentum required in a T20 chase.
–Robine Rijke managed six runs before being trapped by Ayesha Zafar, while Sanya Khurana was dismissed without scoring. Frederique Overdijk added six off six balls before falling to the Pakistan bowling attack, and Iris Zwilling could only contribute one run. The lower order failed to provide the required support, with Hannah Landheer remaining unbeaten and the innings closing at 89 runs in 18 overs.
Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Fatima Sana and Ayesha Zafar, who claimed three wickets each. Fatima Sana delivered an outstanding spell of 3/12 in three overs, while Ayesha Zafar finished with 3/13 from three overs, dismantling the Netherlands middle and lower order. Sadia Iqbal also impressed with economical figures of 0/24, while Diana Baig picked up one wicket. Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan controlled the scoring rate with disciplined spells, taking one wicket each and restricting Netherlands from mounting a comeback.
Loves all things female cricket