New Zealand’s comprehensive 54-run victory over Pakistan in the Women’s T20 World Cup on October 14, 2024 was an outstanding performance that showcased their bowling strength and fielding prowess. Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer gave the White Ferns a solid foundation with a 41-run partnership for the first wicket. However, Pakistan’s spinners, led by Nashra Sandhu, applied pressure in the middle overs. Sandhu’s 3/18 stopped New Zealand from posting an impressive total, but contributions from Brooke Halliday (22) and Sophie Devine (19) ensured they reached a respectable 110/6.
In response, Pakistan faced a tough challenge and needed to reach the target quickly to improve their net run rate and secure a place in the semifinals. However, they faltered under the pressure and lost important wickets early on. Opener Muneeba Ali made 15 off 11, but after her exit, the wickets continued to fall. Fatima Sana, who returned to the team after a personal tragedy, was the only other player to score in double figures with 21. Pakistan collapsed to 56 in just 11.4 overs, one of the lowest totals in T20 World Cup history.
New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Eden Carson (2/7) and Amelia Kerr (3/14), were instrumental in dismantling the Pakistan line-up, taking crucial wickets and keeping the pressure relentlessly on. Carson’s economical play was crucial to Pakistan’s rapid decline, while Kerr delivered the final blow, taking key players like Nida Dar out of the game.
This win catapulted New Zealand into the semi-finals, joining Australia in Group A, while Pakistan’s defeat also resulted in India’s elimination from the tournament. New Zealand’s clinical performance at both ends of the pitch has made them strong contenders for the knockouts.
