New Zealand Storm into T20 World Cup Semi-Finals

New Zealand secured their spot in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, eliminating both India and Pakistan with a commanding 54-run victory over Pakistan in Dubai. With three wins from four group stage matches, New Zealand comfortably advanced to the final four.

Despite posting a modest total of 110 for 6 in their innings, New Zealand bowled out Pakistan for just 56 runs. Amelia Kerr (3-14) and Eden Carson (2-7) led the charge, while Pakistan’s day was further marred by eight dropped catches in the field, adding to their woes as they registered their lowest score in Women’s T20 Internationals.

Pakistan still had a slim chance of qualifying if they could chase down the target within 10.4 overs, which would have seen them surpass both India and New Zealand on net run rate. However, their aggressive approach backfired. Aliya Riaz, promoted to the top of the order, was dismissed for a duck, caught at mid-off by Carson. Muneeba Ali provided a brief glimmer of hope with a couple of boundaries but was soon bowled by Lea Tahuhu for 15.

From there, Pakistan’s innings unravelled quickly. Fran Jonas bowled Sadaf Shamas with her first delivery, and Iram Javed was run out by a direct hit from Tahuhu. Sidra Amin fell to a slower ball from Rosemary Mair, leaving Pakistan reeling at the halfway point.

Nida Dar and Fatima Sana attempted to salvage the situation, realising the target was out of reach within the required overs. But Kerr outfoxed Dar with a well-flighted delivery, resulting in a simple stumping. Omaima Sohail and Syed Aroob Shah were dismissed shortly after, and Fatima Sana’s catch by Suzie Bates effectively ended Pakistan’s resistance. Kerr then sealed the win as Sadia Iqbal offered another straightforward catch to Bates.

Earlier, New Zealand began steadily, with Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer putting together a solid start, reaching 39 for 0 in the PowerPlay. However, Nashra Sandhu’s introduction halted their progress. Sandhu removed Plimmer in her first over and then claimed the wicket of Bates, caught at long-on. Kerr also fell shortly after, and New Zealand found themselves at 67 for 3 after 14 overs.

A crucial 38-run stand between Brooke Halliday and Sophie Devine pushed New Zealand towards the 100-run mark. Contributions from Gaze and Maddy Green helped them reach 110, a total that proved more than enough for a comprehensive victory and a place in their first T20 World Cup semi-final since 2016.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand 110/6 in 20 overs (Suzie Bates 28, Brooke Halliday 22; Nashra Sandhu 3-18) beat Pakistan 56 in 11.4 overs (Fatima Sana 21, Muneeba Ali 15; Amelia Kerr 3-14, Eden Carson 2-7) by 54 runs.