Pakistan vs New Zealand, Women's T20 World Cup: Highlights

Right then, that will be it from us for this contest. We hope you enjoyed the coverage. The action continues at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, 2024 with the semis around the corner. England Women will take on West Indies Women on October 15 in Group B which will be the final league stage encounter before the big games. That game will start at 2 pm GMT. But as you know, you can always join early for all the build-up. Until then, take care, and cheers!

Sophie Devine, the New Zealand Women says that it still hasn't sunk it. Adds that it is great feeling to make it to the semis, they will be celebrate but this is just the start. Mentions that the results didn't go their way leading up to the tournament but they have shown that they can beat any team on their day and doing it at the biggest stage gives her more pleasure.

Fatima Sana Khan, the Pakistan Women skipper says that they were good with the ball but the batting let them down. Adds that the senior players need to take more responsibility in such games. Tells that they were up to the mark in the bowling but the fielding and batting needs to improve a lot to survive in Women's cricket.

Eden Carson is the Player of the Match for her incredible bowling spell. She says that she has no words at the moment. Adds that it was intense out there and their skills got them through. Mentions that the Pakistani spinners were really good and they tried to do the same and it worked out. Says that she was always going for wickets and loved her celebration for her first wicket. Further adds that Nida Dar And Fatima Sana are quality batters and they knew they had to get them out quickly. Ends by saying that she is pretty excited about the semi-finals.

Time for the Presentations...

Earlier today, New Zealand Women batted first and posted a fighting score of 110 for 6 on the back of runs from Suzie Bates, Brooke Halliday, Sophie Devine, and Georgia Plimmer. Nashra Sandhu was the pick of the Pakistan Women bowlers with three wickets but the Green Queens were sloppy in the field and dropped plenty of chances. Pakistan Women have no one but themselves to blame for putting down simple catches that cost them the game and a chance to create history by sealing a semi-final spot. Nonetheless, Pakistan Women will look to take the learnings from this tournament and build on from here. 

New Zealand Women posted a decent score and did a brilliant job with the ball. After giving away a few easy boundaries at the start, the bowlers made a fine comeback and removed five Pakistani batters in the Powerplay. Melie Kerr picked up three wickets but it was Eden Carson who did the damage with a fine spell in the Powerplay and also picked two big wickets. Rosemary Mair, Fran Jonas, and Lea Tahuhu with one apiece played their part to round off an all-round effort from the White Ferns. 

NEW ZEALAND WOMEN ARE THROUGH TO THE SEMI-FINAL!  The White Ferns have thrashed the Pakistan Women by 54 runs and this result means that both India and Pakistan Women are out of the T20 World Cup. Chasing 111 for the win, Pakistan Women had to chase down the score in 10.4 overs to qualify for the semis and they did start off positively by hitting a few boundaries but lost their way quickly and were reduced to 28 for 5 in the Powerplay. Fatima Sana Khan and Muneeba Ali Siddiqi were the only batters to get into double digits for the Pakistan Women who have been dismissed for just 56 runs in their last group game. A sorry-looking scorecard to end their campaign at the T20 World Cup.

11.4: Melie Kerr to Sadia Iqbal, OUT! TAKEN! THE WHITE FERNS HAVE DONE IT! Melie Kerr wraps things up with her third wicket. She flights it up, full and on middle, Sadia Iqbal looks to go for the big slog but her bat hits the ground first. As a result, she does not get any timing on that one as the ball loops to mid on where Suzie Bates once again takes an easy catch. NEW ZEALAND WOMEN WIN BY 54 RUNS!

11.3: Melie Kerr to Sadia Iqbal, A googly, full and on off, turns away, Sadia Iqbal looks to push it away but misses.

Sadia Iqbal is the last batter Pakistan Women. 

11.2: Melie Kerr to Fatima Sana Khan, OUT! TAKEN! The skipper goes now! A good fight showed by her in difficult circumstances but it was really a lone battle. This is floated from Melie Kerr, full and around off, turns away, Fatima Sana Khan backs away to swipe it away but only manages to get a top edge. Suzie Bates at extra covers takes a dolly. Khan goes for 21 off 23 and the Kiwis are just one wicket away from the semis!

Nashra Sundhu comes in now.

11.1: Melie Kerr to Fatima Sana Khan, OUT! RUN OUT! Another one bites the dust! Tossed up, full and on middle, Fatima Sana Khan goes down and slogs it away. It lands in front of the incoming deep mid-wicket fielder and the batters decide to take the second run. Maddy Green fires in a bullet throw at the bowler's end where Melie Kerr breaks the stumps. Shah puts in a dive but that is not enough as she is just short of her crease. The replay confirms it as well. New Zealand Women are on the verge of the win now!

Pakistan Women are now officially out of the reckoning for the semi-final chance. They had to chase it in 10.4 overs but are looking in dire situation now. 

10.6: Eden Carson to Syeda Aroob Shah, Flighted, full and on middle, Syeda Aroob Shah knocks it down the pitch. Just 1 run and a wicket off the over then!

10.5: Eden Carson to Syeda Aroob Shah, Quicker, shortish and outside off, Syeda Aroob Shah looks to punch it away but misses.

10.4: Eden Carson to Syeda Aroob Shah, Short and around off, Syeda Aroob Shah cuts it to point.

Syeda Aroob Shah is in next.

10.3: Eden Carson to Omaima Sohail, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A soft dismissal and the Kiwis go up in joy! Tossed up, full and on middle, turns in sharply. Omaima Sohail looks to push it with a straight bat but the spin back in means she can only lob it off the bottom edge towards the bowler where Eden Carson dives forward to take a fantastic catch. New Zealand Women three wickets away from the win now!

10.2: Eden Carson to Omaima Sohail, Flatter, full and on middle, Omaima Sohail tucks it to short mi-wicket.

10.1: Eden Carson to Fatima Sana Khan, Tossed up, full and around off, Fatima Sana Khan pushes it through covers for a single.

Drinks! Well, Pakistan Women are now out of the equation and things are not looking good for India Women as well. The situation has played it into the hands of Kiwis who have grabbed the opportunity with both hands unlike their opponents in this game who will rue their missed chances. All hopes for Pakistan Women are on their skipper now and if a couple of batters give her some support they can still make a game out of this which is exactly what their arch-rivals want. The Kiwis just have to continue like this and they know that chances will be created and they just need 4 good balls to get the job done. 

9.6: Melie Kerr to Omaima Sohail, Googly, down the leg. Omaima Sohail turns it toward fine leg for a couple. 

Omaima Sohail comes out to the middle now.

9.5: Melie Kerr to Nida Dar, OUT! STUMPED! Brilliant piece of bowling from Melie Kerr and excellent work from Izzy Gaze behind the stumps. Tosses it full, just outside off. Nida Dar is drawn into the drive and drags her foot outside the crease. Izzy Gaze takes off the bails in a flash and Pakistan Women slide further. 

Is that out? The Kiwis look confident about a stumping appeal. The square leg umpire takes it upstairs and the replay clearly shows that Nida Dar is out of her crease. New Zealand Women inching closer to the semis. 

9.4: Melie Kerr to Fatima Sana Khan, Wrong'un, on the middle and leg. Nudged through mid-wicket for one.  

9.3: Melie Kerr to Fatima Sana Khan, Flighted, full, around off. Fatima Sana Khan makes room again for the drive but gets it off the inner half, toward the right of Kerr.

9.2: Melie Kerr to Fatima Sana Khan, Floated on off. Fatima Sana Khan makes room and lofts it toward deep extra cover for a couple. 50 comes up for Pakistan Women.

9.1: Melie Kerr to Nida Dar, Tossed up on middle. Dar sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single.

8.6: Rosemary Mair to Nida Dar, Pace-off, full, on off. Nida Dar turns into the leg side for one.

8.6: Rosemary Mair to Nida Dar, WIDE! She has to reload it. Bowls it full and down the leg. Nida Dar lets it go. Wide signaled.

8.5: Rosemary Mair to Fatima Sana Khan, Slower and fuller at the stumps. Eased to mid-on for one.

8.4: Rosemary Mair to Fatima Sana Khan, Full and at the stumps. Fatima Sana Khan makes room and strokes it to mid-off.

8.3: Rosemary Mair to Fatima Sana Khan, Length ball on off. Defended onto the pitch.

8.2: Rosemary Mair to Fatima Sana Khan, FOUR! ELEGANT! Full-length delivery outside off. Fatima Sana Khan uses her feet and drives it aerially to the deep point region for a cracking boundary. 

8.1: Rosemary Mair to Fatima Sana Khan, Length ball on off. Fatima Sana Khan defends it to backward point. 

7.6: Melie Kerr to Fatima Sana Khan, Floated,full, at the stumps. Eased to long on for one.

7.5: Melie Kerr to Nida Dar, Wrong'un, on a length, on the leg pole. Nida Dar paddles it toward backward square leg.

7.4: Melie Kerr to Nida Dar, Flatter leg break, around off. Knocked toward extra cover.

7.3: Melie Kerr to Nida Dar, FOUR! Easy Pickings! Drifted down the leg. Nida Dar helps it past the short third fielder and into the boundary. Lea Tahuhu gives the chase and puts the slide but her foot touches the ropes. 

7.2: Melie Kerr to Fatima Sana Khan, In the air but safe! Tossed up on middle. Fatima Sana Khan lofts it back over the bowler and it falls in no man's land. Single taken.

7.1: Melie Kerr to Fatima Sana Khan, Googly, on off. Fatima Sana Khan guides it to short third.

6.6: Fran Jonas to Nida Dar, Touch short, on off. Knocked toward mid-off.

6.5: Fran Jonas to Fatima Sana Khan, Low full toss again, on off. Eased to long-on for a single.

6.4: Fran Jonas to Nida Dar, Low full toss, down the leg. Nida Dar gets across and helps it to long-leg for one.

6.3: Fran Jonas to Fatima Sana Khan, Pitched full, outside off. Dragged toward mid-wicket for one.

6.2: Fran Jonas to Nida Dar, Tossed up on off. Driven to long-off for one.

6.2: Fran Jonas to Nida Dar, WIDE! Darted down the leg. Nida Dar misses the paddle. Wide signaled.

6.1: Fran Jonas to Fatima Sana Khan, Tossed up on middle. Fatima Sana Khan comes forward and turns it off the inner half toward mid-wicket.

5.6: Rosemary Mair to Nida Dar, Length ball, at the stumps. Nida Dar turns it toward short fine leg and calls for the single. She is sent back and a direct hit would have been curtains for her.

5.5: Rosemary Mair to Nida Dar, Length ball, at the stumps. Dar knocks it toward mid-off.

Nida Dar comes out to the middle now. Pakistan Women need 83 runs in 30 balls to qualify for the semis. It is becoming more and more tough for them.

5.4: Rosemary Mair to Sidra Amin, OUT! BOWLED! Rosemary Mair strikes with a beauty! Slower and fuller delivery, at the stumps. Sidra Amin is deceived by the lack of pace and plays all around it. The ball crashes into the stumps. Sidra Amin walks back for a golden duck. Pakistan Women have lost half of their side in the Powerplay. 

5.3: Rosemary Mair to Fatima Sana Khan, Full and at the stumps. Fatima Sana Khan advances and squeezes it off the inside edge toward backward square leg for one.

5.2: Rosemary Mair to Fatima Sana Khan, Pitched full, on off. Fatima Sana Khan strokes it into covers.

5.1: Rosemary Mair to Fatima Sana Khan, FOUR! Fine Shot! On a length, around off. Fatima Sana Khan plays it late and lofts the drive toward wide long-off for a classy boundary. Sophie Devine gives the chase but goes in vain.

Sidra Amin walks out to bat now.

4.6: Fran Jonas to Fatima Sana Khan, OUT! RUN-OUT! A brilliant piece of fielding sees the back of Iram Javed. Fired in full, at the leg pole. Fatima Sana Khan looks to play across the line but misses and the ball rolls off the pad toward backward point. Lea Tahuhu comes in quickly and gets a direct hit off the underarm at the stumps. Iram Javed is not even in the frame and she knows it. Pakistan Women are four down and in a spot of bother.

4.5: Fran Jonas to Iram Javed, Full and quick at the stumps. Iram Javed advances and turns it off the inner half toward mid-wicket for one.

4.4: Fran Jonas to Iram Javed, Bowls it full, on the middle. Iram Javed shimmies down to clip it away but misses onto the pad.

4.3: Fran Jonas to Fatima Sana Khan, Touch short on middle. Fatima Sana Khan cuts it through covers for one.

4.2: Fran Jonas to Fatima Sana Khan, Arm ball again, slides past the leg pole as Fatima Sana Khan drives and misses.

Fatima Sana Khan, the skipper is the next batter in with her side in deep trouble.

4.1: Fran Jonas to Sadaf Shamas, OUT! CLEANED HER UP! Fran Jonas strikes off her first ball. Arm ball, on the middle and leg. Nips back in sharply as Sadaf Shamas misses the hoick and the ball cannons into the stumps. The pressure got to Shamas and she perishes. Pakistan Women are three down. 

3.6: Eden Carson to Iram Javed, A maiden from Eden Carson. Flat and turning into the leg pole. Iram Javed gets across for the pull and misses. 

3.5: Eden Carson to Iram Javed, Tosses it on a length, on middle. Iram Javed hacks it to short mid-wicket.

3.4: Eden Carson to Iram Javed, Touch short and turning in. Iram Javed pulls and misses onto the her pad.

3.3: Eden Carson to Iram Javed, Floated on off. Iram Javed drives it to mid on.

3.2: Eden Carson to Iram Javed, Floaty delivery, around off. Iram Javed uses her feet and drives it to extra cover.

3.1: Eden Carson to Iram Javed, Pitched full, on off. Drilled straight to Devine at mid off.

2.6: Lea Tahuhu to Sadaf Shamas, Back of a length on off. Sadaf Shamas guides it to short third for none.

2.5: Lea Tahuhu to Sadaf Shamas, Short of a good length, outside off. Sadaf Shamas cuts it past the short third fielder and races to the ropes. Eden Carson gives the chase and saves a couple.

Sadaf Shamas comes out to the middle now.

2.4: Lea Tahuhu to Muneeba Ali Siddiqi, OUT! BOWLED! Lea Tahuhu is pumped! Pitched full and shapes back into the middle stump line. Muneeba Ali Siddiqi looks to hack it across the line but misses and the ball clatters into the stumps. A quick cameo from the opener comes to an end. Pakistan Women are two down.

2.3: Lea Tahuhu to Muneeba Ali Siddiqi, FOUR! SMACKED! Short of a length, angling into middle and leg. Muneeba Ali Siddiqi pulls it hard to the deep square leg region. It falls in front of the fielder and rolls into the ropes.

2.2: Lea Tahuhu to Iram Javed, In the air but lands safe! Back of a length, outside off. Iram Javed slaps it off the cue end and falls in front of Devine at mid off.

2.1: Lea Tahuhu to Muneeba Ali Siddiqi, Short of a length down the leg. Pulled to fine leg for a single.

1.6: Eden Carson to Muneeba Ali Siddiqi, Floated, full, down the leg. Muneeba Ali Siddiqi sweeps it aerially toward deep backward square leg for a single.

1.5: Eden Carson to Muneeba Ali Siddiqi, Tossed up on off. Muneeba Ali Siddiqi sweeps and misses.

1.4: Eden Carson to Muneeba Ali Siddiqi, FOUR! PUMPED! Floated, full, on the middle and leg. Muneeba Ali Siddiqi advances and lofts it over the bowler for a cracking boundary. 

1.3: Eden Carson to Iram Javed, Tosses it on a length, around off. Iram Javed advances and drives it toward wide mid-off for one.

Iram Javed walks out to bat at number 3.

1.2: Eden Carson to Aliya Riaz, OUT! CAUGHT! Eden Carson strikes! In the air and gone! Floated, full, around off. Aliya Riaz shimmies down to hit over the top but gets it off the toe end and gets caught by Sophie Devine at the mid off region. The move to promote Aliya Riaz does not work as she departs for a duck. 

1.1: Eden Carson to Aliya Riaz, Time for some spin now as Eden Carson joins the attack! Tossed up on off. Aliya Riaz drives it to mid-off.

0.6: Rosemary Mair to Aliya Riaz, LEG BYE! Hard-length delivery angled on the pad. Aliya Riaz misses the tuck and it comes off the pad toward point. The batters sneak for a leg bye.

0.5: Rosemary Mair to Muneeba Ali Siddiqi, Full, around off. Muneeba Ali Siddiqi drills it past the bowler and down the ground for a single. 

0.4: Rosemary Mair to Muneeba Ali Siddiqi, Full-length delivery around off. Muneeba Ali Siddiqi clears the front leg and lofts it toward long off for a couple. 

0.3: Rosemary Mair to Muneeba Ali Siddiqi, Oh my word! How has that missed! Pitched full, just outside leg. Muneeba Ali Siddiqi gets across for the sweep but misses and the ball shaves past the stump.

0.2: Rosemary Mair to Muneeba Ali Siddiqi, Length ball, on the leg pole. Muneeba Ali Siddiqi pulls and misses. A loud appeal for the catch down the leg but the umpire is unmoved. The replays show that it has come off the thigh pad. 

0.1: Rosemary Mair to Muneeba Ali Siddiqi, Pitched full, outside off. Muneeba Ali Siddiqi strokes it through extra cover region for a couple.

0.1: Rosemary Mair to Muneeba Ali Siddiqi, WIDE! Bowls it on a length but down the leg. Muneeba Ali Siddiqi lets it go. Wide signaled.

We are back for the all-important chase! The players are already in the middle. Aliya Riaz gets a promotion and will open alongside Muneeba Ali Siddiqi for Pakistan Women. Rosemary Mair to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, the calculations have been made now. New Zealand Women just need a win to go through while Pakistan Women will have to chase down this total in 10.4 overs to make it to the semis. However, if they win after that point of time then India Women will qualify. All three teams are still in the race and this is a massive 20 overs or so coming up in this T20 World Cup. The Kiwis must have seen Pakistan Women giving no pace at all while the New Zealand Women batters used their feet a lot to counter that. It is going to be a battle and whoever can handle the pressure will come out on top. Join us in a bit for the second essay.

Brooke Halliday is up for a chat. She says that it was hard work in the middle because the way Pakistan Women bowled. She says that a lot of slower bowlers were used by them and it was getting difficult for them to get going. Shares that they dropped a few catches at this venue so not a good ground in terms of catching but hopes that they can defend the target.

Pakistan Women, on the other hand, will be pleased with how they pulled things back after the Powerplay. However, things could have been a lot better if they didn't drop those 7-8 chances. Their bowlers were excellent creating opportunities and keeping the runs in check but they were not at all helped by the fielders. Nashra Sundhu was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets while Sadia Iqbal and Omaima Sohail chipped in with one each. Nida Dar got one on the last ball of the innings but should have had more as they dropped 3 easy catches on her bowling. Now it is up to their batters to step up in this big game.

The Kiwis got off to a steady start and even though the runs were not coming thick and fast, they didn't lose a wicket in the Powerplay for the third time in 4 games and scored 39 runs as well. However, once the fielding restrictions were lifted, they lost both the set openers and started to lose their way. The new batters found it really difficult to get going, and the runs dried up really fast. It was becoming more and more difficult to hit boundaries so the Kiwis made sure to run hard between the wickets and keep the scoreboard ticking. The partnership of 38 runs between Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday has helped them post a fighting total here.

RUNS ON THE BOARD! This is exactly what New Zealand Women have at the halfway mark. Even though it may look like they are 10-15 runs short, the pressure will be on Pakistan Women as they not only have to win this but will have to chase this down really fast to give them a chance of qualifying for the semis.

19.6: Nida Dar to Maddy Green, OUT! Fatima Sana Khan makes amends with the catch. Flighted, full, at the stumps. Maddy Green advances and lofts it straight to Fatima Sana Khan at the long on boundary. She holds onto the catch and New Zealand Women finish on 110 for 6. 

19.5: Nida Dar to Maddy Green, What are you doing Pakistan Women? Floated, full, at the stumps. Maddy Green heaves it to the deep mid-wicket region where Sidra Amin juggles a few times and puts down the catch. Two runs taken. 

19.4: Nida Dar to Maddy Green, Quicker and on a length on the pads. Maddy Green steps out and flicks it to the left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

19.3: Nida Dar to Izzy Gaze, High in the air and put down again by Fatima Sana Khan! Tossed up delivery around off, in the slot of the batter, Gaze mistimes the slog and hits it straight to Fatima Sana Khan at long-on who settles underneath it and puts down a dolly.

19.2: Nida Dar to Maddy Green, Tossed up on off. Maddy Green lifts it on the bounce to long on for one.

19.1: Nida Dar to Maddy Green, ANOTHER DROP! Tosses it on off. Maddy Green shimmies down and lofts it toward wide long on region. Fatima Sana Khan gets across but put down the chance. Two runs taken. 

Who will bowl the last over? It will be Nida Dar (3-0-18-0).

18.6: Sadia Iqbal to Izzy Gaze, Flighted, full, around off. Izzy Gaze shimmies down for the drive but gets the outside edge that runs toward third man region. The batters try to come back for the second as the throw comes in and Muneeba Ali Siddiqi takes off the bails but Gaze makes her ground in time.

18.5: Sadia Iqbal to Maddy Green, Tossed up on off. Green shimmies down and turns it through mid-wicket for a single.

18.4: Sadia Iqbal to Izzy Gaze, Flatter, around off. Izzy Gaze brings out the reverse and gets it past short third for one. 

18.3: Sadia Iqbal to Maddy Green, Too full, around off. Green pushes it to extra cover for one.

18.2: Sadia Iqbal to Izzy Gaze, Tossed up on off. Driven past the bowler toward long on for one.

Izzy Gaze comes out to the middle now.

18.1: Sadia Iqbal to Sophie Devine, OUT! TAKEN! Pakistan Women finally hold onto a catch! Floated, full, at the stumps. Sophie Devine shimmies down the pitch and looks to clear long on boundary but she fails to get the desired connection and gets taken near the boundary by Fatima Sana Khan. New Zealand Women have lost half their side as the skipper perishes. 

Maddy Green walks out to bat now.

17.6: Nashra Sundhu to Brooke Halliday, OUT! STUMPED! Nashra Sundhu finishes with a three-fer. Tosses it around off and gets it to turn past the leg pole. Brooke Halliday advances to hack it away but misses and Muneeba Ali Siddiqi behind the stumps, does the rest. New Zealand Women lose another. 

17.5: Nashra Sundhu to Brooke Halliday, Tosses it on a length, on the middle and leg. Brooke Halliday slogs it to the right of deep square leg fielder for two more.

17.4: Nashra Sundhu to Brooke Halliday, Touch short, outside off. Brooke Halliday cuts it through point for a couple. 

17.3: Nashra Sundhu to Sophie Devine, Floated,full, around of. Sophie Devine lifts it toward long-off for one.

17.2: Nashra Sundhu to Brooke Halliday, DROPPED! Tosses it on off. Brooke Halliday lofts it to the long-on region where Omaima Sohail drops down an easy chance. Single taken.

17.1: Nashra Sundhu to Sophie Devine, Tosses it full, outisde off. Sophie Devine skips down and drags this to wide long-on for one.

16.6: Sadia Iqbal to Sophie Devine, Length ball at the stumps, quicker through the air. Devine clips it to long on for a single to retain strike.

16.5: Sadia Iqbal to Brooke Halliday, Tosses it full, outside off. Brooke Halliday shimmies down for the drive and gets the outside edge that rolls away to third man for an easy three. 

16.4: Sadia Iqbal to Sophie Devine, Touch short, on off. Sophie Devine pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

16.3: Sadia Iqbal to Brooke Halliday, Length ball at the stumps. Halliday backs away a tad for room, drives it straight to Fatima Sana Khan, a slight pause from Fatima Sana Khan deciding which side to throw, that slight hesitation makes it comfortable for Devine to complete the single.

16.2: Sadia Iqbal to Brooke Halliday, Flat again, on the middle. Brooke Halliday reverses it to short third for one.

16.1: Sadia Iqbal to Sophie Devine, Flatter, outside off. Sophie Devine slaps it to extra cover and races for a quick single. The throw comes in from Fatima Sana Khan and a clean pick up from Sadia Iqbal would have seen Devine in trouble. 

15.6: Nida Dar to Brooke Halliday, Tad short, on middle. Brooke Halliday sweeps it to short fine leg.

15.5: Nida Dar to Sophie Devine, ANOTHER ONE PUT DOWN! Floated,full,around off. Sophie Devine shimmies down and slices it off the cue end toward long-off. Sidra Amin comes in from the ropes and drops down a simple chance.

15.4: Nida Dar to Sophie Devine, Devine takes it on the full and drills it to long-on for a couple. 

15.3: Nida Dar to Brooke Halliday, Drifted on the pad. Brooke Halliday nudges it toward mid-wicket for one.

15.2: Nida Dar to Sophie Devine, Flat on the middle and leg. Sophie Devine works it through mid-wicket for one.

15.1: Nida Dar to Sophie Devine, Tad short, around off. Sophie Devine shimmies down and slaps it to long on for a couple. A fumble from Aliya Riaz allows the second run.

14.6: Syeda Aroob Shah to Brooke Halliday, Fullish wrong'un, outside off. Brooke Halliday drives and misses.

14.5: Syeda Aroob Shah to Brooke Halliday, FOUR MORE! Nicely done! Tosses it full, outside off. Brooke Halliday reverses it past short third for another boundary. 

14.4: Syeda Aroob Shah to Brooke Halliday, Tosses it full, outside off. Another uppishly played drive to covers.

14.3: Syeda Aroob Shah to Brooke Halliday, Full, at the stumps. Driven straight to extra cover.

14.2: Syeda Aroob Shah to Brooke Halliday, Wrong'un, around off. Brooke Halliday cuts it to cover point.

14.1: Syeda Aroob Shah to Brooke Halliday, FOUR! Top Shot! Flighted googly, around off. Brooke Halliday advances, takes it from outside off, and slams it to the cow corner region for a powerful boundary. 

13.6: Nida Dar to Brooke Halliday, Flighted, full, on middle. Brooke Halliday lifts it on the bounce to long-off for a single. 

13.5: Nida Dar to Sophie Devine, Tad short, turning in. Devine pulls it to long on for one.

13.4: Nida Dar to Sophie Devine, Slower through the air, on a length, around off. Devine advances and forces the cut to extra cover.

13.3: Nida Dar to Brooke Halliday, Floaty arm ball, on the middle. Brooke Halliday works it through mid-wicket and settles for a single.

13.2: Nida Dar to Sophie Devine, Flat and quick outside off. Sophie Devine stays back and flat-bats it to long-off for one.

13.1: Nida Dar to Sophie Devine, Tosses it on a length, on off. Sophie Devine skips down and knocks it back to the bowler.

12.6: Syeda Aroob Shah to Sophie Devine, Flighted, full, on the middle and leg. Sophie Devine advances and works it through mid-wicket for a single.

12.5: Syeda Aroob Shah to Brooke Halliday, Tossed up on off. Driven to long-off for one.

12.4: Syeda Aroob Shah to Brooke Halliday, The Wrong'un. Floated, full, and outside off. Brooke Halliday drives and misses.

12.3: Syeda Aroob Shah to Brooke Halliday, Loopy delivery, on off. Brooke Halliday makes room and knocks it to short cover.

12.2: Syeda Aroob Shah to Brooke Halliday, Googly, on off. Brooke Halliday looks to nudge it across but ends up dropping onto the pitch.

12.1: Syeda Aroob Shah to Sophie Devine, Devine shimmies down, takes it on the full and drills it to wide long-off for one.

11.6: Omaima Sohail to Sophie Devine, LEG BYE! Tosses it on a length, turning into middle. Sophie Devine comes down and looks to play across the line. She misses and it comes off the pad, rolls toward short third for an extra. Leg bye signaled.

11.5: Omaima Sohail to Brooke Halliday, Drifted down the leg. Brooke Halliday gets low and helps it toward short fine leg for one.

11.4: Omaima Sohail to Brooke Halliday, Tad short, outside off. Brooke Halliday cuts it to backward point fielder.

11.3: Omaima Sohail to Brooke Halliday, Tosses it on a length, on off. Brooke Halliday knocks it back to the bowler.

Brooke Halliday is the next batter in.

11.2: Omaima Sohail to Melie Kerr, OUT! CAUGHT! Omaima Sohail gets the big fish! Floated, full, on middle and off. Kerr shimmies down and looks to clear the mid-wicket fielder but does not get enough elevation and gets caught by Fatima Sana Khan near the circle. A huge blow for the White Ferns as their in-form batter departs cheaply. 

11.1: Omaima Sohail to Melie Kerr, Fired in full, at the stumps. Kerr shimmies down and knocks it toward mid-wicket fielder.

10.6: Nashra Sundhu to Sophie Devine, Quicker, full, and at the stumps. Devine bunts it back to the bowler.

10.5: Nashra Sundhu to Sophie Devine, Floated, around off. Sophie Devine advances and pushes it to extra cover.

10.4: Nashra Sundhu to Melie Kerr, Tossed up full, around off. Kerr slog-sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

10.3: Nashra Sundhu to Sophie Devine, Pitched full, on the middle and leg. Sophie Devine eases it to long on for a single.

10.2: Nashra Sundhu to Melie Kerr, Touch short on the middle and leg. Melie Kerr nudges it toward square leg for a single.

10.1: Nashra Sundhu to Sophie Devine, Tosses it full, on off. Sophie Devine skips down the pitch and drives it toward mid off for one.

Drinks! New Zealand Women got off to a fine start but Pakistan Women have pulled things nicely by removing the two set batters. They would be ruining the dropped chances but have kept the scoring rate in check. New Zealand Women will want to up the ante while Pakistan Women will hope to take regular wickets. An exciting passage of play is upon us. Don't go anywhere!

9.6: Omaima Sohail to Sophie Devine, More flight, full and on middle, Sophie Devine heaves it to deep mid-wicket for one more.

9.5: Omaima Sohail to Melie Kerr, Loopy delivery, on middle, Melie Kerr comes down the track to take it on the full and swipes it to deep mid-wicket for one.

9.4: Omaima Sohail to Sophie Devine, Flighted, full and on middle, Sophie Devine uses her feet and drills it to long on for a run.

9.3: Omaima Sohail to Sophie Devine, Short again and outside off, Sophie Devine cuts it straight to point.

9.2: Omaima Sohail to Melie Kerr, Floated, full and on middle, Melie Kerr clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

9.1: Omaima Sohail to Melie Kerr, Quicker, short and on off, Melie Kerr stabs it back to the bowler.

8.6: Nashra Sundhu to Sophie Devine, Short and around off, Sophie Devine punches it to cover-point.

New Zealand Women skipper Sophie Devine walks in next.

8.5: Nashra Sundhu to Suzie Bates, OUT! TAKEN! Nashra Sundhu strikes again! Another important wicket for Pakistan Women as they get rid of both the set batters now. This is slower through the air, full and around middle, Suzie Bates looks to take it on and goes for the big slog, but she fails to get underneath it fully and hits it from the bottom part of the bat. As a result, she only gets the height, not the distance, the ball goes in the air towards long on where Nida Dar runs forward and takes a good catch. Bates falls for 28 off 29 and the Kiwis are feeling the pressure of the big game now!

8.4: Nashra Sundhu to Melie Kerr, Drops it short and on middle, Melie Kerr moves back and swats it to long on for another run. 50 UP FOR THE KIWIS!

8.3: Nashra Sundhu to Suzie Bates, Flighted, full and on middle, Suzie Bates sweeps it off the inside half of the bat towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

8.2: Nashra Sundhu to Melie Kerr, Floated, full and on off, Melie Kerr uses her feet and drives it to long off for a single.

8.1: Nashra Sundhu to Melie Kerr, Tossed up, full and around middle, Melie Kerr gets into position quickly and scoops it over the keeper's head for a brace.

7.6: Omaima Sohail to Suzie Bates, Shortish and outside off, Suzie Bates slaps it a bit uppishly but wide of extra covers for a brace.

7.5: Omaima Sohail to Melie Kerr, Flatter, full and on middle, Melie Kerr goes down and sweeps it towards deep square leg for a single.

7.4: Omaima Sohail to Melie Kerr, Flighted, full and on middle, Melie Kerr knocks it to the bowler.

7.3: Omaima Sohail to Melie Kerr, DROPPED AGAIN! Not good from Pakistan Women! Dragged down and around off, Melie Kerr looks to work it away but gets a leading edge towards the bowler. Omaima Sohail gets both hands on to it but fails to hold on to it. Kerr gets a lifeline on 0!

7.2: Omaima Sohail to Melie Kerr, Goes short and on off, Melie Kerr moves back and punches it to extra covers yet again.

7.1: Omaima Sohail to Suzie Bates, Floated, full and on middle, Suzie Bates stays in her crease and plays the reverse sweep towards short third for a single.

6.6: Nashra Sundhu to Melie Kerr, Another short delivery, outside off, Melie Kerr cuts it straight to cover point. Just 2 runs and a wicket off the over. Excellent stuff!

6.5: Nashra Sundhu to Melie Kerr, Short again and on off, Melie Kerr stays back and stabs it to extra covers again.

6.4: Nashra Sundhu to Melie Kerr, Short and around off, Melie Kerr punches it to extra covers.

Melie Kerr is in at 3.

6.3: Nashra Sundhu to Georgia Plimmer, OUT! TAKEN! Nashra Sundhu draws first blood! Pakistan Women strikes straight after the Powerplay here and they needed this wicket badly. This is a flighted delivery, full and around off, keeps it out of the arc of the batter. Georgia Plimmer skips down the track to slog it away but fails to reach for it fully and only manages a top edge. The ball flies up in the air and Fatima Sana Khan at extra covers settles under it and after fumbling twice finally grabs it. The Kiwis lose their first!

6.2: Nashra Sundhu to Suzie Bates, Floated, full and around off, Suzie Bates steps across nicely and swipes it to deep square leg for a single.

6.1: Nashra Sundhu to Georgia Plimmer, In the air...safe! Nashra Sundhu tosses it up, on midde, Georgia Plimmer dances down the track, takes it on the full but mistimes her lofted shot. The ball goes up in the air but lands well in front of long on. They cross.

5.6: Omaima Sohail to Georgia Plimmer, Flights it up more, on middle, Georgia Plimmer gets to the pitch of it and drills it to long on for one more. New Zealand Women are 39 for no loss at the end of the Powerplay!

5.5: Omaima Sohail to Suzie Bates, Slower through the air, full and around off, Suzie Bates steps out to swipe it away but gets an inside edge towards short fine for one.

5.4: Omaima Sohail to Suzie Bates, Flighted, full and on middle, Suzie Bates uses her feet again and heaves it wide of deep mid-wicket where the fielder fumbles and allows an easy second run.

5.3: Omaima Sohail to Suzie Bates, Flatter, short and around off, Suzie Bates stabs it out to covers.

5.2: Omaima Sohail to Suzie Bates, DROPPED! That should have been taken! Tossed up, full and on middle, Suzie Bates comes down the track and flicks it aerially. She hits it straight to short mid-wicket where Nashra Sundhu spills it out. Bates gets a life and that could prove to be really costly for Pakistan Women!

5.1: Omaima Sohail to Georgia Plimmer, Floated, full and on off, Georgia Plimmer drives it towards mid off and sets off for the single. The fielder hits the stumps at the bowler's end but Plimmer is safe.

4.6: Nida Dar to Suzie Bates, FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished! A loopy full toss, on middle and leg, Suzie Bates skips down the track and smashes it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

4.5: Nida Dar to Suzie Bates, Floated, full and on off, Suzie Bates tries the reverse sweep again but misses it.

4.4: Nida Dar to Suzie Bates, Quicker, short and around off, skids through, Suzie Bates moves back to cut it away but misses.

4.3: Nida Dar to Suzie Bates, Flighted, full and around off, Suzie Bates looks to slog it across the line but gets a top edge towards third man for a brace.

4.2: Nida Dar to Suzie Bates, Put down! A really tough chance though! Slowers through the air, full and on off, Suzie Bates goes down and tries to reverse paddle it, but gets the slightest of edges behind where the keeper fails to grab it.

4.1: Nida Dar to Georgia Plimmer, Nida Dar starts with a tossed up delivery, on middle, Georgia Plimmer makes it a full toss and drills it to long on for a single.

3.6: Sadia Iqbal to Suzie Bates, Flatter, short and on middle, Suzie Bates stays back and punches it to covers.

3.5: Sadia Iqbal to Georgia Plimmer, Nasty! Flighted, full and outside off, Georgia Plimmer drills it between extra covers and mid off. Both the fielders run towards it and slide in, but collide with each other and let the ball through. Only a single taken. However, Nashra Sundhu looks in a bit of pain as she is holding her left shoulder. The physio comes to have a look and Nashra Sundhu looks fine to continue.

New Zealand Women are off to a tidy start in this crunch game. A solid platform will help them to post a fine score on this slow pitch. 

3.4: Sadia Iqbal to Suzie Bates, Risky run! Quicker, short and on middle, Suzie Bates backs away and bunts it out very close from the stumps towards point. She sets off for the run but her partner is a bit late to respond, the fielder throws it to the keeper who takes the bails off but the dive saves Georgia Plimmer here.

3.3: Sadia Iqbal to Suzie Bates, Slows it up, full and on off, Suzie Bates uses her feet only to block it back to the bowler.

3.2: Sadia Iqbal to Georgia Plimmer, Floated, full and on middle, Georgia Plimmer drives it towards long on for a single.

3.1: Sadia Iqbal to Georgia Plimmer, FOUR! Gets it through! Tossed up, full and around off, Georgia Plimmer goes inside out, reaches out for it and slaps it through extra covers for a boundary.

2.6: Fatima Sana Khan to Suzie Bates, Hard length and on middle, nips back in sharply, Suzie Bates gets cramped up and pats it down to mid on.

2.5: Fatima Sana Khan to Suzie Bates, FOUR! Put away! A low full toss going down the leg side, Suzie Bates glances it away past short fine and picks up an easy boundary.

2.4: Fatima Sana Khan to Suzie Bates, Short of a length and around middle, Suzie Bates uses her feet and pulls it away wide of deep square leg for a brace.

2.3: Fatima Sana Khan to Suzie Bates, Pitches it up and on middle, Suzie Bates clips it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

2.2: Fatima Sana Khan to Georgia Plimmer, Full again and on middle, shaping in, Georgia Plimmer drives it to long on for a single.

2.1: Fatima Sana Khan to Georgia Plimmer, FOUR! Excellent shot! Fatima Sana Khan goes full and on middle, Georgia Plimmer comes down the track but yorks herself. However, she still manages to use her bottom hand well to drill it down the ground splitting the dive of mid on and mid off for a boundary.

1.6: Sadia Iqbal to Georgia Plimmer, Looped up and on middle, Georgia Plimmer uses her feet and drills it down to long on for one.

1.5: Sadia Iqbal to Suzie Bates, Flighted, full and around middle, Suzie Bates eases it to long on for a run.

1.4: Sadia Iqbal to Suzie Bates, Tossed up, full and on middle and leg, Suzie Bates clips it to short mid-wicket.

1.3: Sadia Iqbal to Georgia Plimmer, Arm ball again, short and on middle, angling in, Georgia Plimmer backs away and swats it down the ground to long on for a single. Gets off the mark!

1.2: Sadia Iqbal to Georgia Plimmer, Much better! Floated, full and on middle, Georgia Plimmer knocks it down the pitch.

1.1: Sadia Iqbal to Georgia Plimmer, Gets away with that! Sadia Iqbal starts with a short delivery, outside off, Georgia Plimmer stays back but punches it straight to extra covers.

We will see some spin now as Sadia Iqbal is ready to share the attack.

0.6: Fatima Sana Khan to Suzie Bates, Takes pace off, loopy and on middle, Suzie Bates waits for it and tucks it to mid-wicket. Just 4 runs off the first over!

0.5: Fatima Sana Khan to Suzie Bates, Pitched up and around off, Suzie Bates works it towards mid on.

0.4: Fatima Sana Khan to Suzie Bates, A huge shout for LBW, but turned down! Fatima Sana Khan looks really confident and after discussing with the keeper takes the review. This is on a good length and on off, shaping in a bit, Suzie Bates takes a couple of steps forward to drive it but misses and the ball brushes off the pads behind where the keeper takes the catch. UltraEdge confirms there is no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows that impact is outside off and the batter was also more than 3 meters forward. Pakistan Women lose a review!

0.3: Fatima Sana Khan to Suzie Bates, Back of a length and on middle, angling in, Suzie Bates looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the thigh pads as the ball goes nowhere.

0.2: Fatima Sana Khan to Suzie Bates, FOUR! Suzie Bates and New Zealand Women are underway in some style! Fatima Sana Khan serves this a bit too full, on off, Suzie Bates offers the full face of the bat to drive it away. She beats the dive of the mid off fielder as the ball races way to the fence for a boundary.

0.1: Fatima Sana Khan to Suzie Bates, Fatima Sana Khan starts with a loopy low full toss, on middle, Suzie Bates drills it towards mid on off the bottom end of the bat. Georgia Plimmer wants the run but is sent back.

All in readiness now! We can see the Pakistan Women's team in a huddle where a very emotional Fatima Sana Khan is giving a last-minute pep talk. Now, they spread out to take their respective field positions Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer are the two openers for New Zealand Women. It will be the skipper of Pakistan Women herself who has the new ball in hand and also has a great record against the Kiwis as well. Let's play...

We are almost ready but before this highly anticipated clash begins, players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be New Zealand's first followed by the national anthem of Pakistan Women.

PITCH REPORT - Lydia Greenway is pitchside. She says that it is very hot here in Dubai. Adds that there is a big gap between the square boundaries as one side is 53m and the other is 63m, and the straight hit is the biggest being 73m. Mentions that it is the same surface that was used in the game between New Zealand Women and India Women where the Kiwis posted a big total. She does not expect it to change much during the game. Carlos Brathwaite joins her and says that this outfield is more sand-based and diving and sliding properly will be key while fielding here.

Fatima Sana Khan, the captain of Pakistan Women shares that they need to play with NRR in mind. Mentions that they defeated New Zealand Women, last time they played them and are taking that confidence along. Ends by sharing that she comes in for Tuba Hassan as the solitary change.

Sophie Devine, the skipper of New Zealand Women says that they will bat first. Shares that they did a good job against India at this venue and hope to do well again. Adds that they need to play at their best against the strong Pakistan Women's side. Mentions that Fran Jonas comes in for Leigh Kasperek as their only change with Pakistan having more right-handers in their side. Ends by sharing that they are aware of what is at stake for them.

Pakistan Women (Playing XI) - Muneeba Ali Siddiqi (WK), Sidra Amin, Sadaf Shamas, Nida Dar, Fatima Sana Khan (C) (In place of Tuba Hassan), Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Iram Javed, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, Syeda Aroob Shah. 

New Zealand Women (Playing XI) - Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Melie Kerr, Sophie Devine (C), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Izzy Gaze (WK), Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas (In place of Leigh Kasperek).

TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Sophie Devine. New Zealand Women have elected to BAT first.