Pakistan’s poor fielding performance cost them dearly in a must-win Women’s T20 World Cup match against New Zealand in Dubai. Dropping eight catches, Pakistan suffered a 54-run defeat, not only ending their own hopes of advancing but also knocking India out of the tournament. For India to reach the semi-finals, Pakistan needed to beat New Zealand, but their fielding mishaps sealed their fate and that of their neighbors.
Pakistan’s Catching Disaster
In a match where Pakistan’s fielding became the center of attention for all the wrong reasons, they dropped crucial catches throughout the game. The blunders began in the 5th over and continued, with three catches going down in the final over alone. Former Indian pacer and 2011 World Cup winner Munaf Patel expressed his disbelief at Pakistan’s fielding performance, posting an image of a missed catch with a comment on social media platform X.
New Zealand’s Gritty Batting Effort
Electing to bat first, New Zealand struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack, managing just 110 for six from their 20 overs. Openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer gave New Zealand a solid start, reaching 39 without loss in the powerplay. Bates survived an LBW review and a dropped catch to score 20 before Pakistan’s spinners tightened their grip on the game.
Nashra Sandhu and Omaima Sohail bowled economically, with Nashra dismissing Plimmer and Bates, while Omaima claimed Amelia Kerr’s wicket. Despite a 54-ball boundary drought, Brooke Halliday and Sophie Devine helped steady the innings, taking advantage of Pakistan’s dropped chances. Late contributions from Maddy Green and Isabella Gaze guided New Zealand to a competitive total.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
Chasing the target, Pakistan needed to score quickly to have any hope of reaching the knockout stage. However, their batting faltered from the start. Aliya Riaz, promoted to open, fell cheaply, and New Zealand’s Lea Tahuhu and Fran Jonas dismantled the top order. By the ninth over, Pakistan were reeling at 28 for five.
A brief partnership between Fatima Sana and Nida Dar gave Pakistan some hope, but Nida’s dismissal sparked a collapse, with the last five wickets falling for just four runs. Pakistan were bowled out for 56, marking their lowest-ever total in a T20 World Cup, and handing New Zealand a comprehensive victory.
With this win, New Zealand secured their place in the semi-finals, ending Pakistan’s and India’s World Cup campaigns in the process.
