DUNEDIN: Pakistan women’s cricket team secured their first-ever series victory against the New Zealand women’s team in Dunedin as it beat the hosts by 10 runs.
The University of Otago Oval witnessed the Pakistani girls making a mark, breaking the longstanding record of 8-0 in favour of New Zealand in T20Is before December 2023.
The series win came on the back of consecutive victories, with the Girls in Green first clinching a seven-wicket win in the opening game at the same venue. Undeterred by the pressure, they followed up with another impressive performance, defeating the White Ferns by 10 runs in the second game to seal the series with a 2-0 lead.
Pakistan’s batting prowess played a crucial role in the series triumph. Aalia Riaz showcased her skills by scoring 32 runs off 22 balls, including one boundary and three well-timed strokes to the fence. Muneeba Ali, the opener, contributed significantly with a score of 35.
Facing a target of 128 runs set by Pakistan, New Zealand struggled against the disciplined bowling attack. The hosts found themselves at 89/6 at one point, but a resilient effort by Georgia Pimmer and Hamma Rowe attempted to revive their chances. However, they fell short by 10 runs as Fatima Sana held her nerve, successfully defending 17 runs in the last over and claiming three crucial wickets. Sadia Iqbal complemented the bowling effort by sending two players back to the pavilion.
The victory marks Pakistan’s second consecutive win in the series, displaying their dominance over the Kiwis. In the face of a challenging total, the Pakistani team approached the chase cautiously, ensuring they didn’t lose early wickets, ultimately securing the historic series win against New Zealand.
The triumph not only signifies a breakthrough for Pakistan in women’s T20 cricket but also serves as a testament to the team’s resilience and determination on the international stage. The series win is set to be remembered as a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s women’s cricket, paving the way for more successes in the future.
New Zealand squad
Sophie Devine (c), Kate Anderson, Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Eden Carson (T20I only), Izzy Gaze (ODI & 1st T20I), Maddy Green, Fran Jonas, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
Pakistan squad
Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar.
