New Delhi: The India women cricket team’s hopes to qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals was crushed on Monday following Pakistan’s overwhelming 54-run loss to New Zealand in the final match of Group A at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
In a low-scoring fixture, the stakes were high for India, Pakistan and New Zealand. All the White Ferns needed was an outright win to seal the spot for the last four stage, whereas Pakistan were required to chase a decent total of 111 in 10.4 overs. A normal win for Pakistan (after 10.4 overs) would allow India to move to the semifinal stage.
Pakistan started the chase with intent with opener Muneeba Ali showing glimpse of scoring runs at brisk, but she couldn’t continue to lead the charge after she was cleaned up by senior New Zealand pacer Lea Tahuhu.
After Muneeba’s dismissal, wickets continued to fall for Pakistan with New Zealand bowlers exerting pressure against the run-of-play. Pakistan’s intent to play big shots only benefitted their opponents as they banked on the chances and got regular breakthroughs.
Just when Pakistan were reeling at 28 for 5 inside the powerplay overs, senior all-rounder Nida Dar joined forces with captain Fatima Sana in a bid to revive the chase, though the qualification scenario was out of their way. It seemed that Fatima and Nida were getting into the groove to build a crucial partnership that would take the Women in Green past the finishing line.
But lack of composure was something that hurt Pakistan. Instead of taking the match deep, Nida went to play the big shots. She danced down the track in attempt to drive the ball off Amelie Kerr’s leg-spin, but was beaten, and stranded for a moment. She gave enough time to New Zealand keeper Isabella Gaze to dislodge the bails from behind the wickets.
Breaking that 24-run partnership was key for New Zealand to claw their way back into the game. It was just moments from then that Pakistan surrendered with Fatima Sana holing out to Suzie Bates near extra cover. The innings eventually was bundled up at 56 in 11.4 overs after Bates and Kerr once again combined to dismiss last Pakistani batter Sadia Iqbal in the 12th over.
New Zealand through to semis
New Zealand’s recent comprehensive win helped them to move to the second spot in Group A, toppling India in the position. The White Ferns won three out of their four matches to sit well with six points and join trans-Tasman rivals Australia in the semifinals from Group A.
India and Pakistan’s chances to qualify for the semifinals in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 were dished out by a buoyant New Zealand side. New Zealand and table leaders Australia will advance to the last four stage from Group A. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
