New Zealand thrash Pakistan by 54 Runs, India and Pakistan eliminated in Group Stage

Pakistan led by skipper Fatima Sana was up against New Zealand led by skipper Sophie Devine in the 19th match of the tournament at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine won the toss and opted to bat first. The New Zealand openers Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates got their side off to a solid start with a 41-run opening partnership. Nashra Sandhu picked up the wicket of Georgia Plimmer to provide the first breakthrough for Pakistan.

New Zealand lost a couple of wickets in quick succession to bring Pakistan firmly back into the contest. Brooke Halliday joined skipper Sophie Devine at the crease and the duo stitched a crucial 38-run partnership for the 4th wicket to take their side closer to the 100-run mark. Nashra Sandhu returned and picked up the wicket of Brooke Halliday to provide the 4th breakthrough for her side.

New Zealand were eventually restricted to 110/6 in their quota of 20 overs. Suzie Bates (28 off 29 balls), Brooke Halliday (22 off 24 balls), skipper Sophie Devine (19 off 25 balls), and Georgia Plimmer (17 off 14 balls) were the top performers with the bat for New Zealand. Nashra Sandhu (4-0-18-3), Omaima Sohail (4-0-14-1), Sadia Iqbal (4-0-23-1), and Nida Dar (4-0-26-1) were the top performers with the ball for Pakistan.

Chasing a target of 111, Pakistan got off to a horrible start, losing half their side inside the powerplay, in their bid to go for the kill with a semi-final spot on the line. Nida Dar joined skipper Fatima Sana at the crease and the duo stitched a much-needed 24-run partnership for the 6th wicket to take their side past the 50-run mark. Amelia Kerr picked up the wicket of Nida Dar to provide the 6th breakthrough for New Zealand.

*Pakistan suffered a horrible collapse as they lost their last four wickets for just five runs. As a result, they fell 54 runs short of the target with 50 balls to spare. Skipper Fatima Sana (21 off 23 balls), and wicket-keeper batter Muneeba Ali (15 off 11 balls) were the top performers with the bat for Pakistan. Eden Carson (3-1-7-2), Amelia Kerr (2.4-0-14-3), and Fran Jonas (2-0-8-1) were the top performers with the ball for New Zealand.

Eden Carson was awarded the Player of the Match for her exceptional spell of 3-1-7-2.