ISLAMABAD: The Indian women’s cricket team are hoping Pakistan beat a strong New Zealand side today, Monday, in order for them to survive in the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup tournament. 

India, one of the strongest sides in the tournament, suffered another setback on Sunday after they lost to Australia by nine runs. The blue shirts, who have lost to New Zealand and Australia and secured wins only against Pakistan and Bangladesh, will want Fatima Sana’s side to beat New Zealand in Dubai on Monday so that the second semifinal spot is decided on the net run rate basis. 

Defending champions Australia have already qualified for the semifinal after winning four matches. 

“In ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan women will play against New Zealand women in Dubai, today,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said. 

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur admitted on Sunday that it was no longer in her side’s power to make it to the semifinal stages of the tournament. 

“If we get the opportunity to play another game, that will be great. But otherwise, whoever deserves to be there, that team will be there,” Kaur told reporters. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan stand-in skipper Muneeba Ali said her team has not given up hopes of qualifying for the semifinal. To do that, Pakistan will have to not only beat New Zealand but also significantly improve a run rate inferior to that of India and New Zealand.

“We know that the pool is still open. We have a chance to win tomorrow’s match and if we win by a good margin, we have a chance to qualify for the semifinals,” Ali told reporters on Sunday.

Pakistan will be boosted by the return of skipper Sana, who missed the green shirts’ match against Australia after briefly returning home following the death of her father. Pakistan lost to Australia by nine wickets in a one-sided contest. 

The Pakistan-New Zealand match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time.