S Poddar
New Zealand’s White Ferns sealed a semifinal spot in the Women’s T20 World Cup by thrashing Pakistan 54 runs here on Monday, even sending India to an early exit from the tournament. India’s chances were ruled out after their loss against defending champions Australia on Sunday.
A win for White Ferns had, therefore, ensured this was the first semi-final the eight years old white-ferns were going to be in. For Pakistan, though, their dream of knockout ended as they got bundled out at just 56 runs while chasing a target of 111. This is the second-lowest total in T20 World Cup history spanning 25 years.
Openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Palmer gave New Zealand a good platform, adding 41 runs in the first four overs. Bates, the seasoned campaigner, made steady 28 runs off 29 deliveries, which included three boundaries, before falling to Pakistan left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu, who was the bowler of the match with a three-wicket haul for just 18 runs.
New Zealand blinked at the hands of the dismissal of Amelia Kerr for just 9 runs, but skipper Sophie Devine (19) and Brooke Halliday (22) steadied the ship with a crucial 38-run partnership to propel the White Ferns to a defendable total.
Pakistan’s run chase began on a terrible note, and New Zealand bowlers capitalized on it. Off-spinner Eden Carson was crucial, as he struck two vital wickets. Besides, two sharp run-outs choked out the batting momentum of Pakistan.
It was like a near-miracle that Pakistan would have needed to pull off to win the match, and the pressure told as none of the batters crossed the 20-run mark, save opener Muneeba Ali on 15 and skipper Fatima Sana on 21. Pakistan’s innings folded in just 11.4 overs to leave New Zealand further in the semi-finals.
With this result, all eyes now turn towards England, which faces West Indies on Tuesday. A win for England will see them reach the last four along with New Zealand and Australia.
