New Zealand secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup with a commanding 54-run victory over Pakistan in Dubai. Pakistan was tasked with chasing a target of 111 runs within 10.4 overs to remain in the knockout race based on net run rate. However, their aggressive approach backfired as they collapsed to 56 all out in 11.4 overs.
After a dismal start at 28-5 following the six-over powerplay, the Pakistan batters continued to attack, hoping to keep their chances alive instead of settling for a more measured chase. Earlier, New Zealand’s batters faced challenges against Pakistan’s spin attack, which effectively stifled the run-rate during the middle overs, though Pakistan’s fielding let them down, dropping eight catches.
Suzie Bates, who scored 28—the highest in the innings—was dropped twice, and crucially, three catches were missed in the final over, allowing Maddy Green and Izzy Gaze to add nine crucial runs. Despite finishing at 110-6, which felt underwhelming, New Zealand’s disciplined bowling, bolstered by Pakistan’s frantic batting, led them to victory. Leg-spinner Melie Kerr excelled with figures of 3-14, while fellow spinner Eden Carson took 2-7.
This marks New Zealand’s first semi-final appearance in any white-ball format since 2016. They join six-time champions Australia from Group A, with India being eliminated. New Zealand will now face the winner of Group B, which could be South Africa, England, or the West Indies, with the latter two teams scheduled to play on Tuesday.
New Zealand’s Triumph Amidst India’s Disappointment
Few expected New Zealand to reach the semi-finals at the tournament’s outset, as they entered with ten consecutive T20 losses. However, they made a stunning start by defeating potential champions India in their opening match.
Despite a heavy loss to Australia, they continued their momentum with dominant performances against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, finishing the group stage strong.
The pre-match scenario was straightforward: a win of any margin would suffice. However, early nerves appeared in their batting line-up, given the pressure of the situation.
Pakistan will lament their dropped catches, which allowed extra opportunities for Bates, Kerr, Sophie Devine, and Brooke Halliday. While none capitalized significantly, it forced Pakistan into a desperate chase that exceeded their capabilities.
Opener Muneeba Ali hit two early boundaries in her 15 runs before being bowled by Lea Tahuhu, who also executed a brilliant run-out of Iram Javed. The decision to promote Aliya Riaz to open did not yield results, as she fell for a duck, joining Sidra Ameen. Captain Fatima Sana contributed 21 runs off 23 balls, the only notable score, as the middle and lower order crumbled under the skilled spin of Kerr and Carson.
As New Zealand players celebrated joyfully at the end, there will be a thorough analysis for India, who watched anxiously but ultimately in despair. India launched a franchise tournament, the Women’s Premier League, in early 2023 to catch up with Australia. While it has nurtured young talent, including spinner Shreyanka Patil and seamer Arundhati Reddy, this tournament has been disappointing for the 2020 finalists.
They convincingly defeated Sri Lanka and Pakistan and fought hard against Australia, but it was their opening loss to New Zealand that proved too steep a challenge.
‘The Reason You Play Cricket’ – Reactions
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine said, “It hasn’t sunk in yet. We will certainly celebrate tonight, but this is just the next stage of a tournament we are looking forward to.”
Regarding their young players, she added, “It’s about going into the semi-final with open eyes and enjoying it. I want them to soak up the experience. This is an incredible opportunity for them and a significant part of their careers. These are the reasons you play cricket.”
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana stated, “We bowled well, but we need to improve our fielding and batting because we were not up to standard. We must enhance our performance or we can’t survive at this level.”
England bowler Tash Farrant commented on BBC Test Match Special: “New Zealand’s youngsters have stepped up in this tournament—like Eden Carson, who bowled exceptionally well. They haven’t just relied on their senior players this time.
“They’ve faced a tough period since the last World Cup in South Africa. However, they are a tight-knit group, which is crucial in these circumstances.”
