Match Details
That's it from the first game of T20 International between New Zealand Women and Pakistan Women. Stay tuned to our network for all other cricketing actions across the globe and across formats.
For now, this is Saipavan Janaki signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Ayan Chatterjee alongside scorer/analyst Dushyant Madhukar. Cheers!!
Earlier, New Zealand Women's innings unfolded with a measured rhythm against a disciplined Pakistan Women's bowling attack. While Bernadine Bezuidenhout contributed 13 and Suzie Bates added 28, it was Maddy Green's unbeaten 43* off 28 balls that anchored the innings, propelling them to a total of 127/6 in 20 overs.
Pakistan Women displayed a stellar bowling effort, with
Fatima Sana emerging as the standout performer with figures of 3/18 in 4 overs.
Diana Baig, Nida Dar, and Aliyah Riaz chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
In pursuit of a target of 128 runs, Pakistan Women commenced their innings with a solid start from Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar, posting 30 runs in the initial 6 overs without losing a wicket. The opening pair contributed 40 runs before Ali's departure at 23.
Nida Dar and Zulfiqar then exhibited a dynamic partnership, adding 51 runs in just 28 balls. Zulfiqar's impactful 41-run innings set the stage for a commanding chase. Following her departure, Nida Dar departed after scoring 23 in 14 balls.
Bismah Maroof and Aliya Riaz took charge, steering Pakistan Women to victory with an unbeaten 39-run partnership, reaching the target in 18.2 overs. Maroof remained unbeaten at 13, while Riaz played a quick, unbeaten cameo of 25 in 12 balls. Despite Sophie Devine's couple of wickets, Pakistan Women secured a triumphant score of 132/3 in 18.2 overs.
Stick around for the post-match presentation…