In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand Women qualified for the semi-finals after defeating Pakistan Women by 54 runs. The victory ensured New Zealand's second-place finish in Group A, dashing India's hopes of advancing further in the tournament.

New Zealand's powerplay set the foundation

Electing to bat first, New Zealand Women put up a competitive total of 110/6 in their 20 overs. A strong start in the powerplay saw openers Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates score 39 without losing a wicket. Though runs slowed down after the powerplay, Brooke Halliday (22 off 24) and captain Sophie Devine (19 off 25) added crucial runs to take the White Ferns past the 100-mark. Despite Pakistan's strong bowling efforts, particularly Nashra Sandhu's impressive figures of 4-0-18-3, New Zealand Women set a respectable target.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by ICC (@icc)

Pakistan's fielding woes and struggles with the Bat

Pakistan’s fielders had a disappointing outing, dropping as many as eight catches, including three missed chances in the final over. In reply, Pakistan Women crumbled under the pressure, getting bowled out for a mere 56 runs in 18.5 overs. Only captain Fatima Sana (21) and opener Muneeba Ali (15) managed to reach double digits, while the rest of the batting lineup struggled against New Zealand's bowlers. Amelia Kerr was the standout bowler for New Zealand with figures of 3/14, and Eden Carson chipped in with 2/7.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by ICC (@icc)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by ICC (@icc)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by ICC (@icc)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by ICC (@icc)

See Also: BCCI takes major decision on Impact Player rule

New Zealand qualify, Pakistan exit the tournament

With this victory, New Zealand Women finished second in Group A with six points from four games (three wins, one loss), joining Australia Women in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Pakistan Women concluded their campaign with just two points from four matches, and India Women were eliminated after finishing third in the group. Australia topped Group A with eight points, having won all their matches.

The result ended India Women's World Cup journey, as they were overtaken by New Zealand in the final group standings.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by ICC (@icc)