On October 14, New Zealand Women and Pakistan Women will square off in the 19th match of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. This high-stakes game, set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium at 7:30 PM (IST), holds significant importance for both teams, as they seek to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Pakistan Women currently sit in fourth place in Group A, with a record of one win and two losses in their three matches. After enduring a tough 9-wicket loss to Australia and a 6-wicket defeat to arch-rivals India, Pakistan is in dire need of a win. Securing a victory in this clash would see them jump to third place, overtaking their opponents, New Zealand Women.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Women, led by Sophie Devine, hold the third spot in the group with two wins and one loss. They started the tournament strong with a 58-run victory over India but stumbled in a 60-run loss to defending champions Australia. However, they bounced back with a dominant 8-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka in their most recent match.
New Zealand Squad
Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Isabella Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
Pakistan Squad
Fatima Sana (capt), Muneeba Ali (wk), Aliya Riaz, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Najiha Alvi.
Form Guide
New Zealand’s campaign has seen a solid recovery after a heavy defeat at the hands of Australia. Their bounce-back victory over Sri Lanka has kept them in strong contention for a semi-final spot. On the other hand, Pakistan's journey began with a win over Sri Lanka but has since faltered with back-to-back losses against India and Australia.
Following Australia’s win over India, New Zealand finds itself in a promising position. A win against Pakistan will guarantee them a semi-final spot. Georgia Plimmer’s newfound form and Amelia Kerr’s consistent performance with both bat and ball are big boosts for the Kiwis. While chasing a modest 116 against Sri Lanka, New Zealand's batters regained their rhythm after a poor showing against Australia, where they were bundled out for 88. With six viable bowling options, they have the flexibility to continue with Fran Jonas or bring Jess Kerr back into the mix.
Pakistan will draw strength from the return of their regular captain, Fatima Sana, who recently rejoined the team following her father’s passing. However, they face a setback with Diana Baig, one of their key bowlers, sidelined due to a calf injury. Najiha Alvi has been called in as her replacement and could feature in this pivotal clash.
Players to Watch
For New Zealand, all eyes will be on Rosemary Mair, who has claimed six wickets in three matches, making her the team’s second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. While she went wicketless against Sri Lanka, she bowled economically, delivering 14 dot balls and conceding only 4.25 runs per over. Mair’s knack for dismissing top players like Alyssa Healy and Harmanpreet Kaur makes her a crucial player, both with the new ball and as a first-change option.
On Pakistan’s side, Fatima Sana is pivotal to their hopes. After missing the game against Australia, her return to the squad is vital. Not only has she contributed with a strike rate of 153 with the bat, but she has also taken four key wickets, all while leading the team with poise. Pakistan's slim chance of making the semi-finals rests heavily on her performance.
Pitch Report
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is known for offering a batting-friendly surface, with an average score of 125. Spinners tend to find slightly more assistance here compared to pacers, and with sunny weather expected, conditions appear favorable for a high-scoring affair.
Conclusion
This game between New Zealand and Pakistan is a make-or-break moment for both teams. While New Zealand has momentum on their side, Pakistan will be eager to fight back with the return of their captain. It’s a match that could well determine the semi-final lineup, and with both teams eyeing the knockout stage, fans can expect a thrilling contest.
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