New Zealand have sealed their semi-final spot after beating Pakistan by 54 runs in their final Group A game at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Monday, October 14. (Match Blog | Full Coverage)
The result also confirms New Zealand's first Women's T20 World Cup semi-final since 2016, while India and Pakistan bow out of the tournament.
After opting to bat first, Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer started off strong with a 41-run partnership, but both were sent back soon after the powerplay.
Amelia Kerr endured a rare failure, but Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday chipped in with crucial knocks to take the White Ferns to 110 for the loss of six wickets in their 20-over quota.
Chasing 116 for victory, Pakistan were off to the worst of possible starts with Aliya Riaz, Iram Javed, and Sadaf Shamas walking back to the pavilion with single-digit scores.
Muneeba Ali and Fatima Sana tried to fight back but were just not good enough as they fell like a pack of cards, and were bundled out for just 56.
Amelia Kerr picked up three wickets, while Eden Carson bagged two as they got the job done in just 11.4 overs.
Earlier on, New Zealand women skipper Sophie Devine won the toss and elected to bat first in this crunch Group A fixture at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup played at the Dubai International Stadium on October 14, Monday.
Speaking at the toss, Sophie Devine said, "We are gonna have a bat first. Did well in the game against India. It is a new game and new opposition. Can't get too ahead. One change. Kasperek goes out. We know what's at stake."
"We will play according to the NRR. We had a great series against NZ. I am replacing Tuba," Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana said.
Pakistan Women (Playing XI): Muneeba Ali(w), Sidra Amin, Sadaf Shamas, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana(c), Iram Javed, Syeda Aroob Shah, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal
New Zealand Women (Playing XI): Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine(c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze(w), Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas
