Pakistan women win historic T20 series against New Zealand

DUNEDIN: Pakistan women’s cricket team created history with an impressive 10-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20I of their series in Dunedin on Tuesday.

The much-improved Pakistan side amassed a competitive total of 137/6 from their 20 overs and bowled well to restrict the hosts and register a series-clinching victory.

It was the first time Pakistan have won a T20I series against the White Ferns in their history, while it was also their first T20I series triumph away from home since they defeated Bangladesh in October 2018.

Young Pakistan all-rounder Fatima Sana is making an impact with bat and ball at the age of 21 at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023

It was a much-deserved victory too, with the visitors receiving good contributions with the bat from Muneeba Ali (35), Aliya Riaz (32*) and former captain Bismah Maroof (21) as they amassed a good total after being sent into bat by the Kiwis.

Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal then dismissed Bernadine Bezuidenhout (2) and Amelia Kerr (2) to help reduce New Zealand to 9/2 in reply and there was no way back for the hosts as Pakistan cruised home with little trouble.

Fatima Sana (3/22) was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, while Hannah Rowe top-scored for the home side with a well-compiled 33. The third and final game of the series will be held in Queenstown on Saturday.