Victory Over New Zealand: Pakistan Creates History in ICC Women’s Championship
Following today’s victory, Pakistan has risen to the second position in the ICC Women’s Championship, securing a historic ODI win over New Zealand on the Kiwis’ home turf.
The Green Shirts achieved a significant milestone in their third ODI at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval, marking the first time the Pakistan women’s cricket team has secured an ODI victory against New Zealand on New Zealand soil. During the ongoing tour, Pakistan has already claimed victory in two T20s and one ODI against the White Ferns.
After today’s triumph, Pakistan now holds the second spot in the ICC Women’s Championship, accumulating 16 points from 18 matches. Prior to this game, the Girls in Green were positioned in sixth place.
In today’s match, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by three runs in a thrilling super-over contest. The Green Shirts set a 12-run target in the super-over, thanks to Aliya Riaz’s impressive batting. They successfully defended the target as Sadia Iqbal restricted New Zealand batters to eight runs.
During their chase of a 252-run target, Pakistan faced early setbacks with the wickets of Muneeba Ali and Sidra Ameen falling for just 37 runs in 7.4 overs. However, Bismah Maroof and Aliya Riaz’s 101-run partnership revived Pakistan’s chances in the game.
Riaz, falling six runs short of a half-century, was dismissed by Jess Kerr for 44 runs. Maroof continued to display her prowess, top-scoring with 68 runs, earning her the Player of the Match title.
Fatima Sana and Natalia Pervaiz’s quick knocks down the order brought Pakistan close to the target. Sana scored 36 off 33, while Natalia contributed 26 off 23.
In the last over, Pakistan needed eight runs with just one wicket in hand, but Najiha Alvi’s crucial contributions at the last wicket helped the visitors level the game, avoiding a whitewash.
In their batting innings, New Zealand posted a competitive target of 252 runs, thanks to dominant performances by Amelia Kerr (77) and Maddy Green (65). Sophie Devine (29) and Suzie Bates (24) also contributed significantly.
Although the ODI series concluded 2-1 in favor of the White Ferns, Pakistan’s historic victory marks a significant achievement in women’s cricket.
