DUBAI: Some fine bowling from Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson propelled New Zealand into the semifinals of the Women’s T20 World Cup with a 54-run thrashing of Pakistan in their last group match on Monday.
Off-spinner Carson, who was named player of the match, took 2-7 from her three overs while Kerr ended with 3-14 as New Zealand bowled out Pakistan for just 56 in 11.4 overs.
New Zealand, who posted 110-6 off their 20 overs, became the second team from Group A to make it to the last-four after holders Australia who finish on top.
Defeat marked the end of Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying and meant that India were also eliminated, paying the price for their opening 58-run defeat by New Zealand.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” said New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.
“We will certainly celebrate tonight but this is just the next stage of a tournament we are looking forward to.”
Pakistan needed to reach the target in just 10.4 overs if they were to improve their net run rate enough to overhaul the White Ferns in the table.
But they started their chase on a shaky note, losing openers Aliya Riaz, promoted up to opener, for nought and Muneeba Ali (15) inside the first five overs.
It was downhill thereafter, with Sadaf Shamas (two) being clean bowled by Fran Jonas and Iram Javed (three) being run out by a direct throw from Lea Tahuhu.
Reduced to 28-5 at the end of powerplay, Pakistan never recovered.
Skipper Fatima Sana, who was back with the team after flying home briefly to Pakistan following the death of her father, played a lone hand, making 21 in a lost cause.
“We were good with the ball but we have to improve our batting and fielding,” said Sana reflecting on the eight catches that Pakistan put down.
“We were not up to the mark. I think our seniors should step up in these kinds of matches.”
New Zealand were off to a steady start after electing to bat first, with Suzie Bates (28) and Georgia Plimmer (17) sharing 41 runs for the opening wicket.
But Pakistan struck soon after the powerplay, dismissing both openers and Kerr (nine) in quick succession.
Pakistan paid the price for their sloppy fielding with Sidra Amin dropping a sitter off Nida Dar when Sophie Devine was on 14.
Devine, though, failed to capitalize and was scooped up by Sana at long on off Sadia Iqbal for 19.
Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu was the most successful bowler, picking up 3-18, including the wicket of Brooke Halliday for 22.
New Zealand thrash Pakistan to reach Women’s T20 World Cup semis
https://arab.news/vhytr
New Zealand thrash Pakistan to reach Women’s T20 World Cup semis
- New Zealand, who posted 110-6 off 20 overs, became second team from Group A to make it to semis
- Defeat marked the end of Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying and meant that India were also eliminated
Pakistan air chief meets Indonesian president, pushes training and defense cooperation
- PAF has been promoting combat-tested credentials after last year’s standoff with India
- Indonesian officials seek support in strengthening professional and flying training
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s air chief, Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, met Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta to discuss expanded cooperation in professional training and defense production, according to a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) statement issued on Friday.
The visit comes as Pakistan’s military highlights its operational experience and aerospace capabilities following a four-day conflict with India in May last year, in which Islamabad claimed victory after saying the PAF shot down at least six Indian fighter aircraft, including the French-made Rafale.
New Delhi acknowledged weeks later it had suffered some losses but did not specify a number.
“Upon his arrival, the Air Chief was received by the Indonesian President at the Presidential Complex in Jakarta,” the PAF said, adding that Sidhu “expressed his unwavering commitment to enhance the existing bilateral ties in Air Force-to-Air Force cooperation with Indonesia, especially in the fields of training, Air Defense and defense production.”
During the air chief’s meetings with Indonesian military officials, the two sides discussed joint training initiatives from basic to advanced levels, professional exchange programs and collaboration in aerospace domains, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, cyber, space and unmanned systems.
Indonesia’s air chief expressed interest in drawing on the operational experience of PAF pilots and sought support in strengthening professional and flying training, the statement said.
Pakistan’s air force has promoted its JF-17 fighter jet since the conflict with India, pitching it as a combat-tested aircraft. The PAF has also highlighted its multi-domain capabilities and offered to train counterparts in other countries, citing lessons from recent operations.
The Indonesian leadership praised the PAF’s progress in aerospace research, design and technological development, according to the statement, and expressed interest in leveraging Pakistan’s training ecosystem and aerospace infrastructure.
At the conclusion of his meeting with his Indonesian counterpart, Sidhu was awarded the Medal of Honour, the service’s highest military award, in recognition of efforts to strengthen bilateral air power collaboration.
