DUBAI: Pakistan’s women’s cricket team put up an exceptional bowling display to restrict New Zealand to a modest 110-run total in the 19th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday.
The Kiwis, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Pakistani side, led by skipper Fatima Sana.
Sana’s return to the team, following a brief absence due to her father’s passing, appeared to galvanize the Green Shirts, as they attacked New Zealand with precision and intensity. Her leadership was crucial throughout the first innings, as Pakistan kept New Zealand’s scoring in check.
New Zealand’s veteran opener Suzie Bates was the top scorer for her side, managing 28 runs off 29 deliveries, including three boundaries. Brooke Halliday contributed 22 runs from 24 balls, while skipper Sophie Devine could only muster 19 runs off 25 deliveries, failing to accelerate the innings.
The highlight of the match was Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, with Nashra Sandhu standing out as the star performer. Sandhu claimed three key wickets, giving away just 18 runs in her four-over spell, stifling the New Zealand batters at crucial moments.
Omaima Sohail, Nida Dar, and Sadia Iqbal also chipped in, each taking a wicket, ensuring that New Zealand was restricted to a sub-par total of 110 runs.
Pakistan Playing XI
Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, Sadaf Shamas, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana (captain), Iram Javed, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Omaima Sohail, Syeda Aroob Shah.
New Zealand Playing XI
Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (captain), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas.
