India’s Semi-Final Dream Shattered as New Zealand Crushes Pakistan

The hopes of the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian team to play the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 have been shattered. New Zealand has become the second team to reach the next round from Group A. New Zealand entered the semi-finals by defeating Pakistan by 54 runs on Monday. India’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals were based on New Zealand’s defeat, which remained unfulfilled. New Zealand won three out of four matches in the league stage. The Kiwi team now has 6 points in its account. At the same time, India won two matches and got only four points. India defeated Pakistan and Sri Lanka while New Zealand and defending champions Australia lost. Australia has already qualified by winning four matches.

Pakistan collapsed for 56 runs

New Zealand set a target of 111 runs in front of Pakistan after winning the toss at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing the target, Pakistan had a very bad start. Alia Riaz (0) returned to the pavilion in the second over. After this, Pakistan’s wickets started falling. Pakistan lost five wickets for just 28 runs. Captain Fatima Sana scored the highest 21 runs. Muniba Ali contributed 15 runs. Pakistan’s poor condition can be gauged from the fact that 8 players could not touch the double-digit mark. Four did not even open their account. New Zealand bowled out the Sana Brigade for 56 runs in 11.4 overs. Amelia Kerr took three wickets and Eden Carson took two wickets for New Zealand.

New Zealand missed eight catches

Earlier, Pakistan restricted New Zealand to a score of 110/6 in the stipulated 20 overs. Left-arm spinner Nasra Sandhu bowled brilliantly. She took three wickets for 18 runs in a spell of four overs. Sandhu and Omaima Sohail (1 wicket) kept the New Zealand batsmen under control in the middle overs, due to which the team failed to score a big score. However, Pakistan’s fielding was very disappointing. Pakistan dropped eight catches. For New Zealand, opener Suzie Bates scored the highest 28 runs. She hit three fours in her 29-ball innings. Brooke Halliday scored 22 runs with the help of two fours in 24 balls. Captain Sophie Devine scored 19 and Georgia Plimer scored 17 runs. New Zealand completed their century in the 19th over.