• Pakistan Women registered an emphatic victory against New Zealand Women in the first T20I.

  • Fatima Sana shined with the ball for Pakistan.

NZ-W vs PAK-W: Fatima Sana’s career-best bowling figures guides Pakistan to comprehensive win over New Zealand
Fatima Sana

Table of Contents

The first T20I of the Pakistan Women’s tour of New Zealand 2023 saw a one-sided battle between New Zealand and Pakistan at University Oval. New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, posting 127/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

New Zealand innings

Maddy Green emerged as the top scorer for the New Zealand side, showcasing her prowess with a blistering 43 off 28 deliveries. Despite notable contributions from Green and Suzie Bates (28 off 30), the hosts struggled to build substantial partnerships.

Pakistan’s bowlers put up a commendable display, with Fatima Sana leading the attack, claiming her career-best figures of 3/18 runs. Diana Baig and Nida Dar also chipped in with crucial wickets, restricting the White Ferns from setting a daunting target.

Pakistan innings

In response, Pakistan chased down the target of 128 runs in 18.2 overs with a stellar batting performance. Shawaal Zulfiqar led the charge with a composed 41 off 42 balls, well supported by Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz, ensuring a comfortable victory for the visiting team.

Despite efforts from Sophie Devine, who scalped 2 wickets for 23 runs, the New Zealand bowlers struggled to contain the Pakistani batters, ultimately falling short in defending their total.

Also READ: Adelaide Strikes clinches WBBL|09 title with thrilling win over Brisbane Heat

Player of the Match

Fatima Sana’s impactful performance with the ball earned her the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ title.

With Pakistan securing a convincing 7-wicket win in the opening encounter, the stage is set for an exciting showdown in the next match scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, once again at University Oval.

Also READ: South Africa Women vs Bangladesh Women 2023, T20I & ODI series – Date, Match Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Subscribe to Cricket Times on YouTube to watch Exclusive Interviews, Podcasts, Weekly News Updates & Explainers.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Women Cricket

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
ANIRUDH SINGH
Anirudh is the Head of Content at CricketTimes.com. He is a seasoned journalist and content writer with 12 years of experience in the field of cricket. With over 9,000 published articles under his belt, Anirudh brings a creative and strategic approach to his work, always striving to deliver content that resonates with audiences. A die-hard sports fan who loves playing, watching and talking about cricket. Cricket is his Religion & 'Sachin Tendulkar' his GOD. His motto of life is Eat, Sleep, Cricket, REPEAT!! You can write to him at anirudh@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.