DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — In a remarkable performance, New Zealand secured its place in the semifinals of the Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time in eight years by defeating Pakistan, who managed to score a dismal 56 runs, the lowest in the tournament’s history.
Amelia Kerr, showcasing her exceptional bowling skills, took three wickets for just 14 runs, leading New Zealand to win by a comfortable margin of 54 runs in the final match of Group A.
The victory was essential for New Zealand to advance to the semifinals, knocking India out of contention while also joining reigning champions Australia in the next round. Pakistan had a slim chance of progressing but fell short, achieving the second-lowest score recorded in the 25-year history of the T20 World Cup.
Suzie Bates contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 28 runs off 29 balls, helping New Zealand post a total of 110 runs for six wickets. Their outstanding fielding performance, led by Kerr, off-spinner Eden Carson, who took two wickets, and two crucial run outs, enabled them to dismiss Pakistan in just 11.4 overs.
The last group match of the tournament will see England take on the West Indies, which will finalize the semifinal fixtures as both teams, along with South Africa, vie for a spot in the knockout stage.
New Zealand opted to bat first and got off to a solid start, with a partnership of 41 runs between Suzie Bates and Georgia Palmer, who scored 17.
Bates was aggressive, striking three boundaries before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu, who recorded figures of 3-18.
Kerr fell shortly after for 9 runs, but a critical partnership of 38 runs between skipper Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday, who scored 19 and 22 respectively, helped set a formidable target for Pakistan.
Muneeba Ali was Pakistan’s highest scorer among the openers with 15 runs off 11 balls, yet the top order struggled to provide support. Captain Fatima Sana, who returned to the side, could only manage 21 runs, and they were the only two players to reach double figures in a disappointing batting display.
New Zealand’s relentless bowling attack quickly reduced Pakistan to 28 runs for the loss of five wickets within just 5.4 overs. A shocking collapse saw the final five wickets tumble for a mere four runs in only 12 balls, ending Pakistan’s hopes of advancing in the tournament.
The lowest score recorded in the tournament’s history still stands at 46 runs, set by Bangladesh against the West Indies in 2018. Prior to this match, Pakistan’s previous lowest score was 60 against England back in 2009.