T20 Glory: Pakistan Women Secure 2-1 Series Win Against New Zealand
The Pakistan women’s cricket team emerged victorious in the three-match T20 series against New Zealand, securing a 2-1 win at John Davies Oval on Saturday.
After winning the first two matches by seven wickets and 10 runs, respectively, against the Kiwis, the Green Shirts showcased their dominance and became the first Asian team to win a T20 series in New Zealand.
Despite losing the third match by just six runs through the DLS method, the Nida Dar-led side showcased commendable performances throughout the series. Batting first in the final clash, Pakistan started with a solid opening partnership of 64 within 10 overs, posting a total of 137 runs with a loss of five wickets. Sidra Ameen emerged as the top scorer for Pakistan with 43 runs, while Captain Nida Dar contributed 25 runs.
In response, New Zealand, already having lost the series, commenced the chase well. Suzie Bates played an unbeaten inning, scoring 51 off 42 balls, and Amelia Kerr contributed 35 from 31 balls. The Kiwis scored 101 runs with a loss of two wickets in 15 overs when rain prematurely ended the game. Consequently, the hosts won the match by six runs according to the DLS method.
Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu each took one wicket in the match. Nida Dar, playing her 141st T20 match, set a record as the first player to feature in the most T20 matches for Pakistan, surpassing the previous record held by Bismah Maroof, who played 140 T20 Internationals.
Suzie Bates was awarded the Player of the Match, while Fatima Sana received the Player of the Series award.
Looking ahead, both teams will face each other in the ODI series of the ICC Women’s Championship, with the first match scheduled for December 12 in Queenstown and the remaining two matches on December 15 and 18 in Christchurch.
