New Zealand finish unbeaten after crushing Pakistan

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – New Zealand completed a clean sweep of their preliminary round campaign when they crushed luckless Pakistan by six wickets in their final game of the Women’s World Twenty20 Championship yesterday.

Playing at Warner Park in Group B, New Zealand sent Pakistan tumbling for a paltry 65 for nine from their 20 overs before cruising to 71 for four off just 8.2 overs in their turn at the crease. They were led by fast bowler Nicola Browne who snatched four for 15 from her four overs, in a spell that destroyed Pakistan’s top order and reduced them to 30 for five in the 10th over. The right-armer picked up four of the first five wickets to tumble as Pakistan never recovered from their terrible start.

Sania Iqbal, batting down the order, top scored with 15 while Urooj Mumtaz got 14.

Pakistan were in with sniff when they reduced New Zealand to five for one off the third ball of the innings after removing the dangerous Suzie Bates cheaply but Sophie Devine and captain Aimee Watkins killed off the game with a 40-run, second wicket stand. Devine carved out a lively 23 from 15 balls with five fours while Watkins stroked 15 from 14 balls.

Left-arm spinner Sadia Yousaf claimed two for nine.

Pakistan finished without a win in the tournament.