NZ W VS PK W MATCH 26

That's it from this game! We will be back on 27th March, Sunday and it's a double-header. First, England Women will take on Bangladesh Women at 3.30 am IST (10 pm GMT, previous day). A win for England would mean they would qualify for the semis. Later, it's going to be India Women vs South Africa Women at 6.30 am IST (1 am GMT). India need a win here to qualify for the semis otherwise West Indies Women would go through. All this spices up things nicely for the final day of the league fixtures before we head to the knockouts. Do join us for both the games but the buildup will begin much in advance. Don't forget to join us for that. Until then, it's cheers!

Sophie Divine, the victorious skipper, says she is gutted she did not go ahead in the tournament but wishes well for the teams who have done so. Adds she is thankful for the support. Mentions it is time for her to step away now and reflect on what has happened, refresh and then come back. Adds she still has the hunger to play more but she needs to take some time out and then see what happens. Ends by saying they have been dreaming about the World Cup and they might not play another World Cup at home and it is a big moment for them.

Bismah Maroof, the Pakistan skipper, is in for a chat. She says they could not grab the opportunities in the field and leaked a few extra runs. Adds if she and Dar could’ve continued to play on, things could’ve been different for them. Mentions, even after coming close in a lot of games, they certainly have ticked a lot of boxes over the course of the tournament and would look to come back stronger the next time around.

Suzie Bates is adjudged as the Player of the Match for her exceptional effort with the blade. She says they got rid of their emotions when they lost against England, they have had great support and they enjoyed playing the tournament. Adds they just wanted to enjoy the game. Mentions it just has not gone their way in this tournament, she just wanted to score runs like always. Credits Rowe for the way she bowled and wanted her to get the Player of the Match Award. Rowe now joins in and she says she is pleased with her performance and it is her first five-wicket haul. Mentions it has been a tough week for them but they have had a lot of time to get over it and put in a good performance here.

Stay tuned for the presentation...

New Zealand had runs on the board and they made sure that Pakistan were always behind the asking rate. The bowlers did well to contain runs and never allowed the batters to settle. There was a partnership brewing between Dar and Maroof but Hannah Rowe was surely the game-changer for the White Ferns. Her first spell recorded 3-0-27-0 but she produced a magical second spell. She grabbed 5 wickets and turned the game around completely. The others complimented her well and the hosts have got a thumping win here in front of their home fans in their final league match.

A massive collapse sees Pakistan on the losing side! Pakistan came out with the right intent to chase down the target of 266. The opening stand of Sidra Ameen and Muneeba Ali made sure to built a solid foundation at the top. But they lost both the openers in quick succession. Omaima Sohail did get off to a decent start but slipped out eventually. Later, it was the stand between Maroof and Dar which brought justice to the foundation built by the openers. The pair stitched a stand of 82 runs before Maroof holed out. It went downhill for Pakistan since the loss of their skipper. But the last-wicket stand of Pakistan made sure to bat till the final delivery.

Oh, my word! What a game this has been. Both the teams fought hard but, in the end, White Ferns managed to end their tournament on a high. They won the game by 71 runs, which still gives them an outside chance to make it to the semis. Although it looks very unlikely. Pakistan did put a great fight but unfortunately, they end their tournament with a loss. This campaign has not been fruitful for this Asian side, but they will take a lot of learning back home.

Full, on off. Amin sweeps it to short mid-wicket. The fielder fumbles and the batters cross for a single. New Zealand Women win the game by 71 runs.

On off, Sandhu pushes it to cover for a quick single.

FOUR! Nicely played. Short ball, outside off. Sandhu cuts it hard through point for a boundary.

It is looped up, wide outside off. Nashra Sandhu skips down the track and tries to heave it away but misses. Katey Martin gather the ball and is quick to take the bails off. Katey Martin is excited, hence Nashra Sandhu starts walking out of the field. Although, the umpires decide to take it upstairs. The replays confirm that the batter has her blade inside the crease. The wait for New Zealand Women continues.

Full, outside off. Nashra Sandhu eases it to mid off.

Short ball, outside off. Sandhu tries to cut it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Length ball, down leg. Amin gets behind the line and defends it back to the bowler.

Length ball, outside off. Amin pushes it to point. The fielder there misfields which allows the batters to collect a brace.

Full length, on off, blocked to point.