New Zealand knock Pakistan out of Women's T20 World Cup with 54-run win

New Zealand secured a place in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after defeating Pakistan by 54 runs in the final Group A match at Dubai International Stadium on Monday. The loss also ended Pakistan's journey in the tournament.

Despite a strong bowling performance that restricted New Zealand to just 110/6 in their 20 overs, Pakistan's batting lineup crumbled, managing only 56 runs in 11.4 overs, losing all their wickets in the process.

New Zealand batted first, with Suzie Bates leading the way by scoring 28 runs off 29 balls, including three boundaries. Bates was looking strong but was dismissed in the eighth over by Nashra Sandhu, with Nida Dar taking the catch.

Georgia Pimmer and Amelia Kerr struggled to make a big impact, with Pimmer scoring 17 runs and Kerr contributing just nine. Black Caps' skipper Sophie Devine managed 19 runs before being caught by Pakistan captain Fatima Sana off Sadia Iqbal’s delivery.

Brooke Halliday was the top scorer for New Zealand, adding 22 runs to the total. She was stumped by Muneeba Ali after the ball spun past her bat. New Zealand ended their innings with Isabella Gaze scoring five runs off four balls.

Pakistan’s bowling was led by Nashra Sandhu, who took three wickets. Sadia Iqbal, Nida Dar, and Omaima Sohail each claimed one wicket.

However, Pakistan’s batting performance was disappointing from the start. They lost six wickets in the first 10 overs, including key player Nida Dar. Only two Pakistani batters managed to reach double figures—opener Muneeba Ali, who scored 15 off 11 balls, and captain Fatima Sana, who added 21 off 23 balls. Four other batters, including Aliya Riaz, were dismissed without scoring.

New Zealand's Amelia Kerr was the standout bowler, taking three wickets. Eden Carson picked up two, while Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, and Fran Jones each took one.

With this defeat, Pakistan's hopes in the tournament were dashed, and India also missed out on the semi-finals. New Zealand, on the other hand, progressed to the next stage of the competition.