In a historic feat, Pakistan’s women’s cricket team secured a thrilling victory over New Zealand in the second T20I, claiming an unassailable lead in the three-match series. This triumph marks their second win against the formidable New Zealand side and establishes them as the first Asian team to conquer the Kiwis in a T20I series.
Pakistan asked to bat first, posted an impressive total of 137 for six in their allotted 20 overs, registering the highest score against New Zealand in this format. Muneeba Ali led the charge with a stellar 35 off 28 balls, featuring six boundaries. Aliya Riaz awarded the Player of the Match, played an unbeaten knock of 32 off 22 balls, including three fours and a six.
The White Ferns’ bowling attack, led by Molly Penfold and Fran Jonas, managed to secure two wickets each, attempting to curb Pakistan’s scoring momentum.
Pakistan’s bowlers displayed exceptional discipline, restricting the White Ferns to 127-7 in their 20 overs. Nashra Sundhu, in her 50th T20I appearance, bowled economically, conceding only 22 runs in four crucial overs. Pakistan captain Nida Dar reached a significant milestone by becoming the joint-leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is alongside Australia’s Megan Schutt.
Once again, Fatima Sana emerged as the star in the bowling unit, conceding only 22 runs and claiming three key wickets, including the prized scalps of captain Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal made a valuable contribution, securing two wickets for 29 runs in her four-over spell. The Pakistan women’s team, buoyed by this historic win, is set to depart for Queenstown, where they will face the White Ferns in the third and final T20I on Saturday, 9 December.
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Scores in Brief:
- Pakistan Women: 137-6, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 35, Aliya Riaz 32 not out, Bismah Maroof 21; Molly Penfold 2-17, Fran Jonas 2-21)
- New Zealand Women: 127-7, 20 overs (Hannah Rowe 33, Georgia Plimmer 28, Suzie Bates 18, Maddy Green 18; Fatima Sana 3-22, Sadia Iqbal 2-29)
Player of the Match – Aliya Riaz (Pakistan)
Series schedule:
3 Dec – 1st T20I, Dunedin (Pakistan women beat New Zealand women by seven wickets)
5 Dec – 2nd T20I, Dunedin (Pakistan women beat New Zealand women by 10 runs)
9 Dec – 3rd T20I, Queenstown (1pm local time)
12 Dec – 1st ODI, Queenstown (11am local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)
15 Dec – 2nd ODI, Christchurch (2pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)
18 Dec – 3rd ODI, Christchurch (2pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)
