Pakistan women’s cricket team has achieved a remarkable feat by winning the T20I series against New Zealand for the first time in their history. The visitors secured a 10-run victory in the second T20I at University Oval in Dunedin on Tuesday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan women’s cricket team defended a modest total of 137 for 6, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance and some brilliant fielding. New Zealand women’s cricket team needed 11 runs off the last over, but could only manage one boundary as Pakistan women’s cricket team held their nerve. A. Riaz was the star of the show, scoring 32 runs off 22 balls and taking two crucial wickets in the final over. She was named the Player of the Match for her all-round display.
A historic series win
Pakistan women’s cricket team had never won a T20I series against New Zealand before this tour. They had lost all their previous seven bilateral series against the hosts, dating back to 2010. They had also lost 15 out of 16 T20Is against New Zealand, with their only win coming in 2016. However, they broke the jinx in style, winning the first T20I by seven wickets and the second T20I by 10 runs. They have now become the first Asian team to win a T20I series in New Zealand.
A team effort
Pakistan women’s cricket team’s success was a result of a collective effort from the players and the support staff. The captain J. Khan led from the front, scoring 54 runs in the first T20I and 36 runs in the second T20I. She also marshalled her troops well in the field, setting attacking fields and making smart bowling changes. The opening pair of M. Zafar and A. Zafar gave the team solid starts, while the middle-order of N. Khan, A. Riaz and S. Nawaz provided the finishing touches. The bowling unit of F. Sana, A. Riaz, N. Sandhu, S. Amin and S. Nawaz bowled with accuracy and variation, keeping the New Zealand batters in check. The fielding was also top-notch, with some stunning catches and run-outs.
A proud moment
Pakistan women’s cricket team’s historic series win was hailed by the cricket fraternity and the fans. The PCB chairman R. Mani congratulated the team and the management for their outstanding performance. He said that the team had made the nation proud and had set a new benchmark for women’s cricket in Pakistan. The former Pakistan cricketers W. Akram, S. Afridi and M. Yousuf also praised the team and wished them luck for the future. The fans on social media also celebrated the team’s achievement and showered them with love and appreciation.
A final showdown
Pakistan women’s cricket team will now aim to complete a clean sweep of the series when they face New Zealand in the third and final T20I on Saturday at John Davies Oval in Queenstown. New Zealand will look to salvage some pride and end the series on a high note. The match promises to be an exciting contest between two competitive teams.
