NZ thrash Pakistan to make Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals

New Zealand beat Pakistan in convincing fashion at the Women’s T20 World Cup on Monday in Dubai, winning by 54 runs to advance to the tournament’s semi-finals for the first time since 2016.

Initially, it looked like the Kiwis could be in for a fight in their final group match, with the world No.4 team spluttering to 110/6 from 20 overs.

The innings started well with both Suzie Bates (28) and Georgia Plimmer (17) getting starts, but when Nashra Sandhu removed both, the wickets began falling and the run rate slowed down.

However, a brilliant team effort with the ball meant New Zealand had more than enough runs on the board as Pakistan crumbled for a meagre 56 all out from 11.4 overs.

Amelia Kerr was the star with three wickets and a runout, while Eden Carson chipped in with a brace and Rosemary Muir, Lea Tahuhu and Fran Jonas also claimed scalps.

Captain Fatima Sana and opener Muneeba Ali were the only two batters to crack double digits for Pakistan, with four of the lineup dismissed for ducks.

“Probably has not quite sunk in yet,” New Zealand captain Sophie Devine said after the match.

“Incredibly proud of this group.

“2016 was the last semi-final we made and it has been a long time.

“We will celebrate tonight but we are looking forward to the next phase of this tournament.

“Results have not gone our way leading into this tournament.

“But the thing I am most proud of is we stuck to the processes.

“To do that in the World Cup, I am incredibly proud.”

The result means the Kiwis finish second in Group A behind Australia, with both India and Pakistan missing out on the playoffs.

India were second favourites to win the title coming into the tournament, paying +250 across most cricket betting sites.

New Zealand, meanwhile, were at long odds of +1800. They have now shortened into +900, behind Australia (-188.68) and England (+250).

Devine is confident that if NZ stick to their guns, they will be able to keep their momentum going.

“When we get it right, we can beat any team in the world,” she said.

“[We’re] going in with open eyes and enjoying it.

“There will be pressure, it will be nerve-racking, but that is why you play cricket.

“We are just going to go out there and enjoy ourselves.”

The White Ferns will face the top qualifier from Group B in their semi-final, which will be either England or the West Indies.

The Brits are paying -500 with Bovada to win that matchup on Tuesday, while the West Indies are +350 outsiders.

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