Kiwis Clinch Victory Despite Fatima’s Brilliance

APP

Islamabad: Despite Sana Fatima’s brilliance, the Kiwis’s women’s cricket team secured a thrilling victory against Pakistan’s women’s team by just one wicket at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

This win also sealed their series victory with an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

The match saw some remarkable performances, notably by Fatima Sana, who led Pakistan for the first time due to Nida Dar’s absence. Sana’s exceptional bowling, including a crucial 90 not out with the bat, stood out. She led from the front, scoring her second ODI half-century in her 34th game.

New Zealand’s chase of 221 runs had a shaky start, losing two early wickets to Fatima Sana. However, Suzie Bates and Maddy Green’s brilliant partnership of 142 runs for the third wicket steadied the innings. Despite a collapse later on, a resilient partnership between Lea Tahuhu and Fran Jonas helped secure the win with an undefeated 13-run stand for the final wicket.

Earlier, Pakistan’s innings showcased partnerships between Natalia Parvaiz and Fatima, along with Najiha Alvi and Fatima, helping them post a competitive total of 220 all out in 50 overs.

Sophie Devine, New Zealand’s captain, had a stellar performance, taking three crucial wickets for 25 runs and reaching a milestone of 100 ODI wickets.

Maddy Green’s impactful innings earned her the Player of the Match title for her contribution in steering New Zealand to a thrilling victory.

The series is part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022–25, and the final game of the series will take place at the same venue on December 18.

Twenty-two-year-old Fatima, who became the 10th ODI captain to lead the Pakistan women’s team, led from the front and scored her second half-century in her 34th ODI. Fatima’s unbeaten 90 off 104—also her highest score in this format—included seven fours and a six. Her innings helped the touring side post a 220 all-out in 50 overs.

For the White Ferns, captain Sophie Devine bagged three wickets for 25 runs and also completed her 100 ODI wickets. Molly Penfold and Jonas each took two wickets.

The ODIs are part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022–25. The third game of the series will be played at the same venue on Monday, December 18, with the first ball to be bowled at 2 p.m. local time.

Scores in Brief:

New Zealand women beat Pakistan women by one wicket. Pakistan 220 all out, 50 overs (Fatima Sana 90 not out, Natalia Parvaiz 39, Najiha Alvi 32; Sophie Devine 3-25, Fran Jonas 2-36, Molly Penfold 2-43). New Zealand 221-9, 48.5 overs (Maddy Green 83, Suzie Bates 74, Lea Tahuhu 21 not out; Ghulam Fatima 4-47, Fatima Sana 2-52).

Series Schedule:

3 December: 1st T20I, Dunedin (Pakistan women beat New Zealand women by seven wickets)

5 December: 2nd T20I, Dunedin (Pakistan women beat New Zealand women by 10 runs)

9 December: 3rd T20I, Queenstown (New Zealand women beat Pakistan women by six runs on DLS)

12 December: 1st ODI, Queenstown (New Zealand women beat Pakistan women by 131 runs)

15 December: 2nd ODI, Christchurch (New Zealand women beat Pakistan women by one wicket)

18 December: 3rd ODI, Christchurch (2 p.m. local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)

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