New Zealand crushed Pakistan by 54 runs in their final group match, securing a place in the Women’s T20 World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2016. Batting first, New Zealand posted 110 for 6, with Suzie Bates contributing 28 and Brooke Halliday adding 22. Pakistan needed to chase down the target within 11.3 overs to qualify for the semifinals at the expense of both India and New Zealand. However, they were bowled out for just 56, marking their lowest total in T20 World Cup history.
Nashra Sandhu spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling effort, taking 3 for 18 and keeping New Zealand’s scoring in check. Despite Pakistan’s five dropped catches, including several off Nida Dar’s bowling, New Zealand could only manage seven boundaries. Sandhu’s early strikes kept Pakistan hopeful, but Amelia Kerr’s 3 for 14 and Eden Carson’s 2 for 7 proved too much for Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Pakistan’s aggressive approach backfired as they lost five wickets inside the powerplay, falling to 28 for 5. Aliya Riaz, promoted to open, fell in just the third ball of the innings, followed by Muneeba Ali’s brief resistance before her dismissal. Nida Dar and Fatima Sana’s 24-run partnership offered a glimmer of hope, but once Dar fell, the collapse was inevitable. Pakistan lost their last five wickets for just four runs, crumbling under the pressure of chasing the 101-run target within 12 overs.
With the win, New Zealand ended India’s hopes of making the semifinals, while Pakistan’s campaign also came to a disappointing end.
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