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, Afghanistan border clashes kill 5, officials say
- Afghanistan and Pakistan trade blame for “unprovoked firing” along Chaman-Spin Boldak border
- Exchange takes place nearly a week after a fresh round of peace talks between neighbors failed
KABUL: Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire along their border late on Friday, officials from both countries said, killing at least five people amid heightened tensions following failed peace talks last weekend.
Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani forces launched attacks in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province.
His deputy Hamdullah Fitra told Reuters that shelling by Pakistan killed five people, including a Taliban member.
A spokesman for Pakistan’s prime minister said Afghan forces carried out “unprovoked firing” along the Chaman border.
“Pakistan remains fully alert and committed to ensuring its territorial integrity and the safety of our citizens,” spokesman Mosharraf Zaidi said in a statement.
The exchange came nearly a week after a new round of peace talks between the South Asian neighbors ended without a breakthrough, although both sides agreed to continue their fragile ceasefire.
The talks in Saudi Arabia last weekend were the latest in a series of meetings hosted by Qatar, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia to cool tensions following deadly border clashes in October.
At the heart of the dispute, Islamabad says Afghan-based militants have carried out recent attacks in Pakistan, including suicide bombings involving Afghan nationals. Kabul denied the charge, saying it could not be held responsible for security inside Pakistan.
Dozens were killed in October’s clashes, the worst violence on the border since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021.
