Thrilling Super Over victory for Pakistan W in 3rd ODI against New Zealand

Thrilling Super Over victory for Pakistan W in 3rd ODI against New Zealand

Asher Butt

In a nail-biting encounter, Pakistan Women emerged victorious against New Zealand Women in the third and final ODI match, securing a thrilling win in the Super Over on Monday.

Sadia Iqbal's outstanding bowling in the Super Over, where she claimed two crucial wickets, played a pivotal role in Pakistan's triumph.

This historic win marked only the second time that Pakistan Women have defeated New Zealand Women in an ODI. The previous instance occurred in November 2017 in Sharjah, where Pakistan secured a five-wicket victory, propelled by Sana Mir's four-wicket haul and Bisma Maruf's unbeaten 36 runs.

New Zealand had won the preceding two ODIs in the series, with a convincing 131-run victory in the first match and a narrow one-wicket win in the second.

The third ODI unfolded with New Zealand Women winning the toss and opting to bat first, posting a total of 251 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. In response, Pakistan Women matched the score, reaching 251 runs for 9 wickets in 50 overs.

As the match ended in a tie, a Super Over was initiated. Pakistan Women posted a total of 11 runs without any loss in the Super Over, with Alia Riaz contributing 8 runs and Fatima Sana scoring 2 runs.

In the Super Over, New Zealand Women managed to score eight runs but lost both batters, Emilia Kerr and Sophie Devine, to Sadia Iqbal's bowling.

Notable performances in New Zealand Women's innings included Emilia Kerr's impressive 77 runs and Maddie Green's unbeaten 65 runs. Ghulam Fatima and Nashra Sindhu from the Pakistan Women's side claimed two wickets each.

In Pakistan Women's batting, Bismah Maroof was named the Player of the Match for her exceptional innings. She scored her 20th ODI half-century with a contribution of 68 runs. Alia Riaz added 44 runs, while Captain Fatima Sana scored 36 runs. The match culminated in a tie, with Pakistan Women requiring 8 runs to win in the last over. Nejia Alvi managed to score a run on the last ball, resulting in a tied match.

The victory in the Super Over showcased Pakistan Women's resilience and determination, capping off a memorable tour of New Zealand, where they also won the T20I series two to one—their first T20I series win on New Zealand soil.