Women's T20 World Cup 2024: New Zealand's victory ends India's last hope

India Women’s heart broke as New Zealand Women qualified for the semi-finals after finishing in the second place of Group A of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 after beating Pakistan Women by 54 runs. 

After New Zealand Women captain Sophie Devine chose to bat first, they scored 110/6 in 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan Women were bundled out for only 56 runs. 

Strong powerplay

New Zealand Women had a good start as they scored 39/0 at the end of the powerplay. However, after the powerplay, New Zealand only managed two fours in the remainder of the innings.

Pakistan fielders dropped many catches

The first innings experienced many catch drops, including the skipper Fatima Sana dropped thrice in the final over of the innings. They dropped about eight catches in that innings.

While the opener Georgia Plimmer scored 17 runs, her opening partner Suize Bates scored 28 runs. They had a 41-run opening partnership. 

Halliday and Devine scored some crucial runs

Later, Brooke Halliday (22 off 24 balls) and captain Sophie Devine (19 off 25) played some patient knocks to help the White Ferns score 100+ runs. 

Nashra Sandhu took three wickets

Among the Pakistan bowlers, Nashra Sandhu was brilliant as she had bowling figures of 4-0-18-3. 

Only two Pakistan batters scored double-digit runs

Pakistan Women had to reach the target in 10.4 overs to qualify for the semi-finals. However, the Pakistan batters weren’t any close to the low target. Only the opener Muneeba Ali (15) and captain Fatima Sana (21) produced some fight as they were the only two batters to reach double-digit scores in that innings. 

Among the New Zealand Women bowlers, Amelia Kerr (3/14) and Eden Carson (2/7) took three and two wickets, respectively. 

New Zealand Women finished second place in Group A 

While India Women finished in third place with four points after four matches (two wins and two losses), New Zealand Women earned six points after four games (three wins and one loss).

Australia Women already qualified for the semifinals as the Group A points table leader with eight points after winning all four matches. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan Women finished Group A with two points (won once and lost three), as they only managed to beat Sri Lanka Women, who finished with zero points by losing all matches.