Christchurch, 26 March 2022: Pre-event favourites and ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 hosts New Zealand ended their campaign with 71 runs victory over Pakistan at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Pakistan’s Nida Dar took three for 39 to restrict New Zealand to 265 for eight that revolved around Suzie Bates’ 126. In turn, Nida finished as the top-scorer with 50 as Pakistan finished at 194 for nine.
Nida faced 53 balls and struck five fours and a six, while Bismah Maroof (38) and Muneeba Ali (29) were the other notable run-scorers.
For New Zealand, Hannah Rowe registered figures of 10-1-55-5.
Earlier, a brilliant century from Suzie Bates and a belligerent cameo from Katey Martin at death saw New Zealand post 265 for eight after Pakistan captain Bismah elected to field.
For Pakistan, it was, once again, Nida who shone with the ball as the all-rounder returned three for 39, with half of her 60 balls being dots. She finished as the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan, and second best on the overall list, this tournament with 10 scalps at 24.40 runs per wicket.
Bates smashed 14 fours in her 135-ball knock and scored 126 in what went down her ODI career’s 12th triple-digit score.
Bates stood strong despite Pakistan bowlers accounting for her partners from the other end at regular intervals. Her opening partner and captain Sophie Devine was sent back in the sixth over when left-arm orthodox Anam Amin bowled her.
Nida’s off-spin sent Amelia Kerr and Amy Satterthwaite back to the pavilion in a span of three balls, as the hosts slipped from 99 for one to 100 for three.
Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday provided stiff resistance with 23 and 29, before wicketkeeper Martin smashed 30 not out off 26 (four fours).
Anam, Nashra Sandhu and Fatima Sana also picked up a wicket.
This was Pakistan’s last fixture in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022.
Scores in brief:
New Zealand 265-8, 50 overs (Suzie Bates 126, Katey Martin 30 not out, Brooke Halliday 29, Amelia Kerr 24, Maddy Green 23; Nida Dar 3-39)
Pakistan 194-9, 50 overs (Nida Dar 50, Bismah Maroof 38, Muneeba Ali 29; Hannah Rowe 5-55)
