ICC Women’s World Cup: Pakistan lose to NZ by seven wickets

Team faces South Africa in deciding match.

KARACHI: Owing to a batting breakdown, Pakistan suffered their second successive defeat at the ICC Women’s World Cup as they were outclassed by New Zealand by seven wickets in a group B fixture at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack yesterday.

They were only able to compile 104 runs in 41.2 overs after captain Sana Mir decided to bat first. The Pakistan batsmen, had no solution for fast-bowler Rachel Candy who ended with fiery figures of five for 10.

Asmavia Iqbal was the top scorer with 21 as the top-four Pakistan batsmen including the captain, were dismissed for paltry figures.

After dismissing their opponents to a meager total, New Zealand enjoyed a comfortable chase, achieving the target in only 29.4 overs after losing three wickets.

Now, after two back-to-back losses, Pakistan are facing an early exit from the tournament as they meet South Africa in a do-or-die fixture.

Both the teams are yet to open their account, as the side winning tomorrow’s battle will advance into the super-six stage.

“It’s like a final for us,” Pakistan team manager Ayesha Ashar told The Express Tribune from Cuttack. “We will try to sort out our problems in the practice sessions before the match.”

The manager blamed batting for the team’s poor performance in the tournament so far.

“Our batting has failed. Mostly it’s poor selection of shots that let the team down.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2013.