Pakistan women’s cricket team secured a convincing seven-wicket victory against New Zealand in the first T20I at Dunedin’s University of Otago Oval on Sunday, led by Shawal Zulfiqar’s solid batting (41 off 42) and Fatima Sana impressive bowling display (3-18).
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Pakistan opted for a cautious approach during their chase of 128 runs, losing Muneeba Ali after a score of 23 off 24 balls. Despite this setback, Shawal and skipper Nida Dar forged a 51-run partnership before departing in quick succession.
Aliya Riaz and Bismah Maroof’s unbeaten 39-run partnership guided Pakistan over the line, with Riaz sealing the victory with a powerful six.
In the first innings, New Zealand struggled against Fatima’s bowling, losing both openers within the initial eight overs.
Maddy Green fought valiantly, scoring 43 off 28 deliveries, but New Zealand ultimately managed only 127-6 in their allotted overs.
The win sets the stage for an intense series with upcoming matches scheduled on December 5 and 9 for the T20Is, followed by ODIs on December 12, 15, and 18.
New Zealand Squad:
- Sophie Devine (c)
- Kate Anderson
- Suzie Bates
- Bernadine Bezuidenhout
- Eden Carson (T20I only)
- Izzy Gaze (ODI & 1st T20I)
- Maddy Green
- Fran Jonas
- Melie Kerr
- Jess Kerr
- Molly Penfold
- Georgia Plimmer
- Hannah Rowe
- Lea Tahuhu
Pakistan Squad:
- Nida Dar (captain)
- Aliya Riaz
- Bismah Maroof
- Diana Baig
- Fatima Sana
- Ghulam Fatima
- Muneeba Ali (wk)
- Najiha Alvi (wk)
- Nashra Sundhu
- Natalia Parvaiz
- Omaima Sohail
- Sadaf Shamas
- Sadia Iqbal
- Shawaal Zulfiqar,
- Sidra Amin
- Umm-e-Hani
- Waheeda Akhtar
