Dunedin, December 5, 2023 – The Pakistan Women cricket team etched its name in history on Tuesday by securing a historic T20 International series win against New Zealand Women.
The team defeated New Zealand Women by 10 runs in the second T20I at the University of Otago Oval, renamed Suzie Bates Oval for the match, in Dunedin.
This triumph grants Pakistan Women an unassailable lead in the three-match T20I series, having previously clinched victory in the first T20I at the same venue on Sunday with a seven-wicket win over New Zealand Women, also known as White Ferns.
This marks only the second win for Pakistan Women’s team against the third-ranked New Zealand. Furthermore, they become the first Asian side to defeat New Zealand in a T20I series. Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a commendable total of 137 for six in their allotted 20 overs, the highest score against New Zealand in this format.
Muneeba Ali played a pivotal role, top-scoring with 35 off 28 balls, including six fours. The Player of the Match, Aliya Riaz, contributed an unbeaten 32 off 22 balls, smashing three fours and a six. Molly Penfold and Fran Jonas from the White Ferns managed to bag two wickets each.
In response, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained tight control from the beginning, restricting the White Ferns’ run-scoring opportunities. Nashra Sundhu, playing her 50th T20I match, bowled economically, conceding only 22 runs from four overs. Pakistan captain Nida Dar achieved a significant milestone, becoming the joint-leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is alongside Australia’s Megan Schutt.
Fatima Sana once again proved instrumental in the bowling unit, giving away only 22 runs and claiming three crucial wickets, including the dismissals of captain Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal contributed with two wickets for 29 runs in four overs.
The Pakistan Women’s team is set to depart for Queenstown, where they will face the White Ferns in the third and final T20I of the series on Saturday, December 9.
Scores in Brief:
• Pakistan Women beat New Zealand Women by 10 runs
• 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)
Upcoming Matches:
• 9 Dec – 3rd T20I, Queenstown (1 pm local time)
• 12 Dec – 1st ODI, Queenstown (11 am local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)
• 15 Dec – 2nd ODI, Christchurch (2 pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)
• 18 Dec – 3rd ODI, Christchurch (2 pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)
