New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 54 runs on Monday to reach the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals and eliminate India in the process.
India’s fate depended on the outcome of the New Zealand and Pakistan game after losing to Australia on Sunday, which saw the defending champions reach the semi-finals.
But it was the White Ferns who clinched their spot in the last four for the first time in eight years, while Pakistan’s knockout hopes came to an end as Pakistan crashed to 56 all out in just 11.4 overs chasing a target of 111.
It was the second lowest score in the T20 World Cup’s 25-year history.
Opener Suzie Bates scored 28 off 29 balls to help New Zealand register 110-6.
Then they fielded brilliantly to dismiss Pakistan with off-spinner Eden Carson taking two wickets, and two run outs.
New Zealand opted to bat and made a good start of 41 off 39 balls between Suzie Bates and Georgia Palmer (17).
Bates hit three fours in her 28 before she fell to left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu, who took 3-18.
Amelia Kerr fell for nine but a 38-run partnership between skipper Sophie Devine (19) and Brooke Halliday (22) helped them post a challenging total against Pakistan’s frail batting.
Opener Muneeba Ali scored 15 off 11 while skipper Fatima Sana returned to the line-up and top-scored with 21 but they were the only two batters to reach double digits.
New Zealand’s persistent attack reduced Pakistan to 28-5 in 5.4 overs and a second collapse saw Pakistan lose its last five wickets for four runs in 12 deliveries to exit the tournament.
The only lower total in tournament history was Bangladesh’s 46 against hosts West Indies in 2018.
Pakistan’s previous low was 60 against host England in 2009.
Source : Sky Sports
