NZ w vs PAK w match: A game New Zealand must win in the women’s T20 World Cup was one Sophie Devine got right by batting as she locked horns with Pakistan in Dubai. A win would work as a ticket to a semi-final for New Zealand and send India packing, and the Indian team would be praying hard for Pakistan not to surpass the total of 101 runs after 10.4 overs.

Pakistan reinstated regular captain Fatima Sana, who replaced leg-spinner Tuba Hassan, strengthening their seam attack with options like Aliya Riaz and Iram Javed. Their last success was winning their first bilateral T20I series against New Zealand, winning it 2-1 in December 2023.

Group A of the Women's #T20WorldCup 2024 draws to a close with the all-important #PAKvNZ fixture 👊#WhateverItTakes

Live report 📝⬇https://t.co/rM70mvWB6x

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— ICC (@ICC) October 14, 2024

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New Zealand has added left-arm spinner Fran Jonas as a replacement for offspinner Leigh Kasperek for the challenge of frustrating Pakistan’s right-handed top order on the day. “A very big total is required,” Devine pointed out, as the pitch conditions will deteriorate as the game gathers momentum. The game is being played on the same pitch that hosted New Zealand’s earlier game against India, with uneven square boundaries at 63 meters and the other at 53 meters, with the cover pocket stretching to 74 meters.

Playing XI

New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (C), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas

Pakistan: Muneeba Ali (wk), Sidra Amin, Sadaf Shamas, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Iram Javed, Fatima Sana (C), Syeda Aroob Shah, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal

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