How India exited from Women’s T 20 World Cup 2024
Ram Mohan Pulipati
Many Indians on October 14, Monday night prayed for a win for Pakistan women’s cricket team as they played against New Zealand in Sharjah.
If their prayers were answered, India would have had a chance of playing semis in the T20 World Cup 2024. But, alas! That didn’t happen. New Zealand easily coasted to victory against Pakistan, dashing the hopes of Indian women team fans..
New Zealand bounced back from a heavy loss to Australia with a crucial eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka, keeping their hopes alive for a semi-final spot. Meanwhile, Pakistan started strong with a win over Sri Lanka but suffered back-to-back losses against India and Australia, putting them in a must-win situation.
Australia’s victory over India has simplified the equation: a win against Pakistan will guarantee New Zealand a place in the semis. With Georgia Plimmer finding form and Amelia Kerr performing with both bat and ball, the Kiwis will feel confident despite some recent setbacks. Pakistan, on the other hand, will welcome the return of captain Fatima Sana, who rejoined the team after a personal loss, though they’ll miss key bowler Diana Baig due to injury.
Will New Zealand’s six-bowling options help them edge past Pakistan? Or can Pakistan rally under Fatima Sana’s leadership to stay in the race?
Squads:
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Isabella Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
Pakistan: Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali (wk), Aliya Riaz, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Najiha Alvi.
