NZ knock Pakistan (and India) out; secure first T20 World Cup semi spot in eight years
Pakistan dropped eight catches, and their batters succumbed to the pressure of needing to win inside 12 overs
Pakistan dropped eight catches, and their batters succumbed to the pressure of needing to win inside 12 overs
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: Shashwat Kumar
8:55pm That will be that for tonight. A dramatic day, which possibly ended with the outcome that felt most likely at the start: a New Zealand win and the elimination of India and Pakistan. And, if today was not enough drama, we have something very similar in store tomorrow, with England taking on the West Indies (and the identity of the Group B qualifiers still not set in stone). We hope to have your company for that fixture. Until then, this is goodbye from Ranjith and myself. Take care, everyone!
Sophie Devine, New Zealand captain: (On reaching the semi-final) Probably has not quite sunk in yet. Incredibly proud of this group. 2016 was the last semi-final we made and it has been a long time. We will celebrate tonight but we are looking forward to the next phase of this tournament. Results have not gone our way leading into this tournament. But the thing I am most proud of is we stuck to the processes. When we get it right, we can beat any team in the world. To do that in the World Cup, I am incredibly proud. Eden was outstanding again tonight and to see them (the youngsters) step up is amazing. (On the conditions) They (Pakistan) were incredibly clever. The wicket was not as bad but with the lack of paceâŠyou have to access different areas. (On their score) 140 would be nice (we said after the powerplay). You always want more but we knew that (110) had to be enough. We knew they were going to have a crack. Was always going to be an exciting game and about who held their nerve better. We get a day off tomorrow, then a couple of days of training and then going in with open eyes and enjoying it. I just want them to lap up the experience. It is going to be a big occasion but it is also a huge part of their career. We will be soaking it up. There will be pressure, it will be nerve-racking but that is why you play cricket. We are just going to go out there and enjoy ourselves.
Fatima Sana, Pakistan captain: (On the game) We were good with the ball but we have to improve our batting and fielding. We were not up to the mark. I think our seniors should step up in these kinds of matches. As a bowling unit, we were up to the mark but we need to improve our batting, otherwise we cannot survive in women's cricket. That is the main thing (that we will take back from this tournament).
Eden Carson, Player of the Match: I have no words. Pretty intense at the start but glad we got it over the line. (Chat at the innings break) We looked at how they bowled and tried to do what they did, and bowl to our plans. Came on top today, very happy (with that). Having Dar and Sana out there, both were quality batters and we knew we needed to get them out, and thankfully we did.
8:37pm New Zealand are in. Pakistan are out. India are out. And that is perhaps the easiest summation of this evening. Pakistan may have made it slightly easier for NZ with their gung-ho shot selection, but they deserve a bit of credit for actually trying to step out of their comfort zone and daring the improbable (which ultimately became the impossible). All they have now is the second-lowest all-out total in Women's T20 World Cup history, and their lowest total at this competition, which given the courage and bravery they tried to show, seems a little unfair.
As for New Zealand, well, their bowlers and their fielders turned up. They held onto almost everything that came their way, and pulled off two run-outs as well. Kerr was again their most successful bowler, with Carson bagging two. Mair, Jonas and Tahuhu, meanwhile, picked up a wicket apiece, and they will now have a shot at making the final, which they have not done since the 2010 edition in the Caribbean.
Sadia Iqbal c Bates b Kerr 0 (1m 2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
Iqbal is the last batter in. Sandhu is at the other end and she has not faced a ball yet either
Fatima Sana c Bates b Kerr 21 (31m 23b 2x4 0x6) SR: 91.30
Syeda Aroob Shah run out 0 (2m 3b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
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Pakistan dropped eight catches, and their batters succumbed to the pressure of needing to win inside 12 overs