New Zealand’s emphatic 54-run victory over Pakistan in Dubai on Monday has sent shockwaves through the Women’s T20 World Cup, eliminating India from the tournament and securing the White Ferns a spot in the semifinals for the first time since 2016.
India’s hopes of reaching the last four rested solely on Pakistan pulling off an upset against New Zealand, given their inferior net run rate. However, despite Pakistan’s valiant efforts to restrict New Zealand to a modest 110 for six in 20 overs, their batting lineup crumbled under pressure, collapsing to a mere 56 all out in just 11.4 overs.
Australia emerged as the dominant force in Group A, topping the standings with eight points, while New Zealand finished second with six points. India’s fate was ultimately sealed by their loss to New Zealand in their tournament opener, a result that proved costly in the end.
New Zealand’s victory was orchestrated by a stellar bowling performance, with spinner Amelia Kerr claiming three wickets. However, it was the seamers, Lea Tahuhu (1/8) and Eden Carson (2/7), who set the tone for the White Ferns, opening the floodgates for a Pakistani batting collapse.
Pakistan’s pursuit of the target was hampered by a slow start, as they needed to reach the target in less than 12 overs to qualify. However, the pressure proved too much, and they were dismissed well before the allotted time.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan’s spinners, Omaima Sohail (1/14 in 4 overs) and Nashra Sandhu (3/18 in 4 overs), applied relentless pressure on the New Zealand batters, delivering 21 dot balls and taking four wickets between them for only 29 runs. Despite the efforts of openers Suzie Bates (28) and Georgia Plimmer (17), who added 41 runs for the opening stand, the Pakistani spinners managed to restrict New Zealand to a modest total.
