Pakistan women claim historic victory over New Zealand

 

Pakistan women claim historic victory over New Zealand

Asher Butt

Pakistan women's cricket team etched their names in cricketing history by defeating New Zealand women by seven wickets in the first T20I match at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin on Sunday. This remarkable victory marks Pakistan's first-ever T20I win against the formidable New Zealand women's team, popularly known as the White Ferns.

Chasing a target of 128 runs, Pakistan's opening duo of Shawaal Zulfiqar and Muneeba Ali provided a solid foundation, forging a solid 40-run partnership. Muneeba, contributing 23 runs off 24 balls, including four boundaries, was the first departure. Recognizing the situation, captain Nida Dar stepped up, forming a crucial 51-run alliance with right-hander Shawaal.

Eighteen-year-old Shawaal, playing her sixth T20I and first on New Zealand soil, showcased her talent, smashing seven boundaries en route to her highest T20I score of 41 off 42 balls. Following Shawaal's dismissal at the end of the 13th over with the score at 91, Nida too departed after a quick-fire 23 off 14 balls, including a four and a six.

With back-to-back dismissals, the experienced duo of Bismah Maroof and Aliya Riaz took center stage, guiding the team to a convincing victory with 10 balls remaining. Aliya remained unbeaten on 25 off 12 balls, her innings adorned with two fours and a six, the latter of which sealed the match on the second ball of the 19th over. Bismah remained unbeaten on a steady 13 off 18 balls, contributing a four.

Earlier, New Zealand, after opting to bat first, was restricted to 127 for six, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance by the touring side. Right-arm pacer Fatima Sana, who missed the Bangladesh tour due to injury, capitalized on the overcast conditions, delivering a remarkable four-over spell, conceding just 18 runs and claiming three crucial wickets. Nida, Diana Baig, and Aliya chipped in with one wicket each.

For New Zealand, Maddy Green emerged as the top scorer, contributing an unbeaten 43 runs off 28 balls, including five boundaries.

This historic win marks a significant milestone for Pakistan women's cricket, highlighting their growing prowess and potential on the international stage. The team's determination, resilience, and tactical prowess were evident throughout the match, paving the way for a memorable victory.

Pakistan will now take on Whites Ferns in the second T20I on Tuesday, 5 December at the same venue. The match will begin at 1300 local time, while the third and final T20I of the series will be played in Queenstown on Saturday, 9 December.

Brief Scores:

Pakistan women beat New Zealand women by seven wickets

New Zealand 127-6, 20 overs (Maddy Green 43 not out, Suzie Bates 28; Fatima Sana 3-18)

Pakistan 132-3, 18.2 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 41, Aliya Riaz 25 not out, Muneeba Ali 23, Nida Dar 23; Sophie Devine 2-23)

Player of the match – Fatima Sana (Pakistan)

Series schedule:

3 Dec – 1st T20I, Dunedin (Pakistan women beat New Zealand women by seven wickets)

5 Dec – 2nd T20I, Dunedin (1pm local time)

9 Dec – 3rd T20I, Queenstown (1pm local time)

12 Dec – 1st ODI, Queenstown (11am local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)

15 Dec – 2nd ODI, Christchurch (2pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)

18 Dec – 3rd ODI, Christchurch (2pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)