New Zealand set 111 runs target for Pakistan
Cricket
A New Zealand win in this clash will catapult them past India and into the semis
DUBAI (Dunya News) – New Zealand have set a target of 111 runs for Pakistan in a crucial group stage match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Dubai International Stadium.
Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer took a strong start as they made 28 and 17 respectively before they were removed by Nashra Sundhu in a major breakthrough for Pakistan. Omaima Sohail got a quick wicket of Melie Kerr.
After the White Ferns lost their top order, skipper Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday stitched a fourth-wicket partnership to boost the total. Halliday was stumped for 22 by Muneeb after she missed a delivery by Sundhu.
At very next delivery, Sadia Iqbal dismissed Devine for 19, building pressure on New Zealand. Maddy Green pushed the total in final over by smashing nine runs.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat first against Pakistan.
The White Ferns have been one of the surprise packets at the T20 World Cup and can claim a spot in the knockout stage with a victory over a Pakistan side who have registered just one win at the tournament thus far.
Things are tight in Group A, with both New Zealand and Pakistan still mathematically in contention of joining Australia in the knockout stages.
While Australia clinched their place in the semis with a win over India on Sunday, just who will join them in the final four still remains unclear.
A New Zealand win in this clash will catapult them past India and into the semis, while Pakistan could also still sneak in with a big margin of victory over the Kiwis.
The Squads
Pakistan: Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Najiha Alvi , Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
