NZ into semis after Pakistan all out for 56

DUBAI: New Zealand booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup with a comprehensive 54-run win over Pakistan in Dubai. Pakistan needed to chase their target of 111 within 10.4 overs to keep themselves in knockout contention via net run-rate, but paid the price for their aggressive intent by slumping to 56 all out in 11.4 overs. Despite collapsing to 28-5 after the six-over powerplay, the Pakistan batters kept attacking to keep their hopes alive rather than simply settle for a comfortable chase of less than a run-a-ball.

New Zealand’s batters had earlier struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack, who expertly stifled the run-rate in the middle overs but were let down in the field with eight catches put down. Suzie Bates was dropped twice in her 28, the innings’ top score, and then crucially three were put down in the final over which allowed Maddy Green and Izzy Gaze to scamper nine extra runs.

But while their 110-6 felt below-par, New Zealand were rewarded for a disciplined all-round bowling effort with some assistance from Pakistan’s chaotic but understandable approach. Leg-spinner Melie Kerr starred with 3-14 while fellow spinner Eden Carson took 2-7.

It is New Zealand’s first semi-final in either white-ball format since 2016, and they join six-time winners Australia from Group A with India eliminated. They will face the winner of Group B which will be either South Africa, England or West Indies, with the latter two teams playing tomorrow.