New Zealand Seal Semifinal Spot in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, India Knocked Out

Dubai: New Zealand secured their place in the semifinals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after an emphatic 54-run victory over Pakistan in their final Group A match in Dubai. The result means India will exit the tournament after finishing third in the group, behind New Zealand and Australia.

New Zealand posted a modest total of 110-6 in their 20 overs, with Suzie Bates top-scoring with 28 off 29 balls. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Nashra Sandhu with figures of 3-18, kept New Zealand’s scoring rate in check, but the target proved more than enough for the White Ferns’ bowlers to defend.

In response, Pakistan’s batting faltered, as they were dismissed for just 56 in 11.4 overs. Captain Fatima Sana, who returned to lead the side after missing their previous game due to personal loss, top-scored for Pakistan with 21 runs off 23 balls. However, regular wickets crippled Pakistan’s chase, and their hopes of progressing to the semifinals were dashed as they were bowled out in the 12th over.

With Pakistan’s defeat, India were also knocked out of the tournament, as New Zealand’s win solidified their second-place finish in Group A with six points from four games. Australia topped the group with eight points, winning all four of their matches and reinforcing their status as favorites to claim their seventh World Cup title.

India ended in third place with four points from two wins, while Pakistan secured just one win in the group stage to finish fourth with two points. Sri Lanka finished bottom of the group without a win.

The semifinal lineup from Group A is complete, with Australia and New Zealand advancing. The final two semifinalists will be determined on Tuesday when former champions England face off against the West Indies in the last Group B match. Both teams, along with South Africa, remain in contention for the remaining spots in the last four.

The semifinals are set to take place on October 17 in Dubai and October 18 in Sharjah, with the final scheduled for October 20 in Dubai.