Pakistan dropped eight catches, and their batters crumbled under the pressure of chasing the target inside 12 overs.
New Zealand 110 for 6 (Bates 28, Halliday 22, Sandhu 3-18) beat Pakistan 56 (Sana 21, Kerr 3-14, Carson 2-7) by 54 runs.
India’s hopes were briefly revived. New Zealand seemed to relive a familiar situation, while Pakistan threatened to pull off the improbable. But everything collapsed in the end.
New Zealand secured a commanding win over Pakistan in their final group game, advancing to the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time since 2016. After batting first, New Zealand posted a modest total of 110 for 6. For India to reach the semi-finals, Pakistan had to beat New Zealand. Pakistan themselves needed to chase the target within 11.3 overs to qualify ahead of India and New Zealand. Instead, they were bowled out for 56, their lowest total in T20 World Cups.
Nashra Sandhu spearheaded Pakistan’s efforts with the ball, taking three wickets and stalling New Zealand’s scoring. However, Amelia Kerr responded with three wickets of her own, and Eden Carson’s early breakthroughs helped New Zealand pull off a stunning comeback, especially after entering the tournament on a ten-match losing streak.
Bates, Plimmer, and a promising start New Zealand looked strong at the beginning, with Suzie Bates driving the second ball for four and Georgia Plimmer following suit. By the end of five overs, New Zealand had hit five boundaries, setting a positive tone. However, a turning point came in the last over of the powerplay.
Pakistan’s missed chances, New Zealand’s slow-down Pakistan’s fielding woes began early, with Muneeba Ali dropping Bates in the fifth over. This was the first of five dropped catches off Nida Dar’s bowling alone. New Zealand’s batters struggled to capitalize, with Plimmer and Bates both dismissed after missed opportunities. New Zealand managed just seven boundaries in their innings, with Sandhu finishing with 3 for 18 as Pakistan restricted them to a chaseable total.
Pakistan’s aggressive approach backfires Knowing they needed to chase the target quickly, Pakistan promoted Aliya Riaz to open the batting. However, the plan faltered, as she was dismissed for a duck, and Pakistan’s top order collapsed, losing five wickets inside the powerplay. A reshuffled batting order, with captain Nida Dar coming in at No. 7, failed to deliver. Despite a brief 24-run stand between Dar and Fatima Sana, Pakistan’s innings fell apart, losing their last five wickets for just four runs.
New Zealand completed a comprehensive victory, and Pakistan missed their chance to advance.