Sarjah, Nov. 5 (TNS): Pakistan women’s cricket team recorded their first ever win over their New Zealand counterparts in any format after registering a five-wicket victory in the ICC Women’s Championship in Sharjah.
The Pakistan eves had suffered a close defeat in the first ODI by eight runs before succumbing to a heavy seven-wicket loss in the second match.
On Sunday, New Zealand eves’ skipper Suzie Bates won the toss and elected to bat first at the Sharjah Cricket stadium.
The White Ferns did not get off to the best starts as they were reduced to 4-50 by the end of the 17th over. It took a fighting fifty from middle-order batter Sam Curtis to stabilize the New Zealand innings.
Pakistan however kept striking at regular intervals, never allowing the opposition to get away.
Off-spinner Sana Mir was the star for Pakistan ladies, picking up four wickets as New Zealand were bundled out for just 155 runs in 44 overs.
In reply to the White Ferns’ total, Pakistan openers Nahida Khan and Sidra Ameen put on a strong opening stand of 40 runs which laid the platform for their win.
Skipper Bismah Maroof played the role of an anchor after the departure of the openers as her unbeaten 36 runs off 69 deliveries saw Pakistan across the finish line.
Sana Mir hit the winning runs for her side in the penultimate over to put the icing on the cake of her match-winning bowling performance.
She was duly adjudged as the player of the match as Pakistan celebrated their first win over New Zealand.
