In a historic turn of events, Pakistan’s women’s cricket team carved their name in the annals of cricketing milestones by securing a monumental victory over New Zealand women, claiming an exceptional 10-run win in the second T20I at Dunedin’s University of Otago Oval.
This remarkable win not only established an unassailable lead for Pakistan in the three-match T20I series but also etched a significant chapter in their cricketing journey, marking the first-ever series victory against New Zealand women.
Historic! #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/ZvhWfT7nx2
— Rai M. Azlan (@Mussanaf) December 5, 2023
Opting to bat first, Pakistan set a challenging target of 137 for the hosts, recording their highest score against New Zealand in this format. Muneeba Ali led the charge with a well-crafted 35 off 28 balls, while Aliya Riaz’s unbeaten knock of 32 off 22 deliveries, studded with three boundaries and a maximum, contributed crucially to their team’s respectable total. Molly Penfold and Fran Jonas starred for the White Ferns, claiming two wickets each.
In response, Pakistan’s bowlers exhibited finesse and control, maintaining a tight rein on the New Zealand batters from the onset. Nashra Sundhu, playing her 50th T20I, displayed exceptional bowling prowess, conceding a mere 22 runs in her spell of four overs.
Pakistan skipper Nida Dar, notching her 130th scalp in T20Is, joined the elite league of leading wicket-takers, dismissing Maddy Green for 18 off 23 balls. However, the standout performer in the bowling lineup was Fatima Sana, who shone once again, scalping three crucial wickets, including those of skipper Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, conceding only 22 runs. Sadia Iqbal complemented Sana’s performance, claiming two wickets for 29 runs.
With the series firmly in their grip, Pakistan women’s team will move to Queenstown, poised for the third and final T20I showdown against the White Ferns on Saturday, December 9.
Scores: Pakistan Women: 137-6 in 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 35, Aliya Riaz 32*, Bismah Maroof 21; Molly Penfold 2-17, Fran Jonas 2-21) New Zealand Women: 127-7 in 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)
Scheduled Fixtures: 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)
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