Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Pakistan women create history in New Zealand

 Historic win for Pakistan women as they clinch T20I Series against New Zealand



Asher Butt

The Pakistan women’s cricket team, in a groundbreaking achievement, secured an unprecedented series win against New Zealand women by defeating them by 10 runs in the second T20I at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin on Tuesday.

This triumph marks the first-ever series win by the Pakistani women's team over New Zealand, and they now hold an unassailable lead in the three-match T20I series.

Pakistan, opting to bat, set a formidable target of 138 runs for New Zealand. Muneeba Ali's dynamic innings of 35 runs off 28 balls and Aliya Riaz's unbeaten 32 off 22 balls played pivotal roles in achieving the highest score (137/6) against New Zealand in this format. Riaz, named Player of the Match, showcased her batting prowess with three fours and a six.

Facing the Pakistani bowling attack, New Zealand struggled to build momentum, and the Pakistan bowlers maintained tight control. Nashra Sundhu, celebrating her 50th T20I match, exhibited economical bowling, conceding only 22 runs in four overs. Captain Nida Dar, who became the joint-leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is, dismissed Maddy Green to increase her tally to 130 wickets in the format.

The star performer with the ball was once again Fatima Sana, who took three crucial wickets, including those of captain Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates. Sadia Iqbal chipped in with two wickets for 29 runs in four overs.

Expressing her joy, Aliya Riaz credited the entire team for the historic victory and emphasized the collective effort. She expressed her long-standing dream of beating a top team finally coming true and highlighted the importance of teamwork in this monumental win.

Pakistan women’s team, now eyeing a clean sweep, will head to Queenstown for the third and final T20I against New Zealand on Saturday, December 9, aiming to conclude the series with a 3-0 triumph.

Brief scores:

Pakistan women beat New Zealand women by 10 runs

Pakistan women 137-6, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 35, Aliya Riaz 32 not out, Bismah Maroof 21; Molly Penfold 2-17, Fran Jonas 2-21)

New Zealand women 127-7, 20 overs (Hannah Rowe 33, Georgia Plimmer 28, Suzie Bates 18, Maddy Green 18; Fatima Sana 3-22, Sadia Iqbal 2-29)

Player of the match – Aliya Riaz (Pakistan)

Series schedule:

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

5 Dec – 2nd T20I, Dunedin (Pakistan women beat New Zealand women by 10 runs)

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)

No comments:

Post a Comment