New Zealand beat Pakistan to enter the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup | Sports News
New Zealand’s 54-run victory in Dubai results in the elimination of the India-Pakistan tournament.
New Zealand have booked their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after defeating Pakistan by 54 runs in their final group match in Dubai.
Monday’s result means India will exit the tournament in the group stage by finishing third in Group A on points behind New Zealand and Australia.
New Zealand amassed 110-6 in their 20 overs and bowled out Pakistan for 56 runs in 11.4 overs to record a massive victory.
Pakistan packed their team with slow bowlers, who disrupted New Zealand’s scoring rate and did not allow their strong batting line-up to bowl big.
Nashra Sandhu claimed three wickets for 18 runs in her four overs, while Suzie Bates top-scored for the White Ferns with 28 runs from 29 balls.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana is back to lead her team after missing their previous match against Australia due to the passing of her father.
Sana scored 21 runs from 23 balls, the highest in Pakistan’s innings, as the women in green tried to chase down the target in 10 overs to improve their netting.
This time, Pakistan continued to lose regular wickets and were bowled out in the 12th over. Their defeat not only knocked them out of the semi-finals but also led to India’s exit.
Australia top the group with eight points from their four matches and remain favorites to retain their six-time title.
Their trans-Tasman neighbors New Zealand moved into second place with six points and three wins from their four matches.
India finished third with two wins and four points from their four matches, while Pakistan finished fourth with two points and one. Sri Lanka ended up failing to win a single match.
The other two semi-finalists will be confirmed on Tuesday, when former champions England and West Indies meet in the final group match in Dubai.
Both of these teams, along with South Africa who reached the 2023 final, are in contention for the four qualifying points.
The semi-finals will be played on October 17 (Dubai) and October 18 (Sharjah), while the final is scheduled for October 20 in Dubai.
Making it to the semi-finals in style 🤩
New Zealand become the second team after Australia to reach the Women’s final four #T20WorldCup 2024 🔥#PAKvNZ #Whatever it is pic.twitter.com/Kn2iJ5RBD6
– T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 14, 2024
