Dubai: Some fine bowling from Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson propelled New Zealand into the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup with a 54-run thrashing of Pakistan in their last group match yesterday.
Off-spinner Carson, who was named player of the match, took 2-7 from her three overs while Kerr ended with 3-14 as New Zealand bowled out Pakistan for just 56 in 11.4 overs.
New Zealand, who posted 110-6 off their 20 overs, became the second team from Group A to make it to the last-four after holders Australia who finish on top.
Defeat marked the end of Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying and meant that India were also eliminated, paying the price for their opening 58-run defeat by New Zealand.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” said New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.
“We will certainly celebrate tonight but this is just the next stage of a tournament we are looking forward to.”
Pakistan needed to reach the target in just 10.4 overs if they were to improve their net run rate enough to overhaul the White Ferns in the table.
Reduced to 28-5 at the end of powerplay, Pakistan never recovered.
BRIEF SCORESNew Zealand 110-6 in 20 overs (Suzie Bates 28, Brooke Halliday 22; Nashra Sandhu 3-18) v Pakistan 56 all out in 11.4 overs (Fatima Sana 21, Muneeba Ali 15; Amelia Kerr 3-14, Eden Carson 2-7)
Result: New Zealand win by 54 runs
Player of the Match: Eden Carson (NZL)
Toss: New Zealand
New Zealand team celebrate beating Pakistan in their ICC T20 Women’s World Cup match in Dubai yesterday. (@WHITE_FERNS)
