T20I Victory
The Pakistan Women’s cricket team achieved a historic victory in a one-sided T20I match, securing a seven-wicket win against New Zealand at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin.
Key performances by Fatima Sana and Shawal Zulfiqar played a pivotal role in guiding Pakistan to their first T20I win against New Zealand. Fatima’s impressive bowling performance, claiming 3 wickets for 18 runs, set the stage for Pakistan’s success. Shawal’s contribution with the bat was equally crucial, as she scored 41 runs off 42 balls, aiding Pakistan in chasing the 128-run target set by the Kiwis.
The Pakistani team approached the game cautiously, especially in the early overs, understanding the importance of preserving wickets for a more manageable chase. Muneeba Ali, who scored 23 off 24 with four boundaries, was the first wicket to fall. Shawal and skipper Nida Dar then built a solid 51-run partnership before losing their wickets in quick succession.
With the team at 93-3 in 13.5 overs, Aliya Riaz and Bismah Maroof took charge and contributed an unbeaten 39-run stand, steering Pakistan to victory. Aliya Riaz sealed the win with a maximum.
In the first innings, New Zealand struggled against Fatima’s bowling, with the Pakistani bowler removing both openers within the first eight overs. Despite Maddy Green’s top-scoring effort of 43 off 28, New Zealand posted a modest total of 127-6.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Pakistan Women’s cricket, and the team will aim to build on this success in the upcoming matches.
Squads:
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Kate Anderson, Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Eden Carson (T20I only), Izzy Gaze (ODI & 1st T20I), Maddy Green, Fran Jonas, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
Pakistan: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar
Remaining Match Schedule:
- Second T20I: December 5, University of Otago Oval, Dunedin
- Third T20I: December 9, Sir John Davies Oval, Queenstown
- First ODI: December 12, Sir John Davies Oval, Queenstown
- Second ODI: December 15, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- Third ODI: December 18, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
