New Zealand thrashed Pakistan by 54 runs to take their first step towards sealing third place in Group B with a comprehensive win in match 14 of the ICC Women's World T20 2018 at the Guyana National Stadium on Thursday.
New Zealand lost four wickets in eight balls towards the back end of their innings, yet their 144/6 was big enough a target for their bowlers to defend against Pakistan in Match 14 of the ICC Women's World T20 2018.
Choosing to bowl, Pakistan came up against the opening pair of Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates. Devine was looking in especially good flow when she was expertly caught by Nashra Sandhu, who maintained her balance by the ropes.
Pakistan bowled tightly in pockets, but sloppy ground fielding and a dropped catches seemed to regularly make their way in and break any passage where they created pressure.
Pakistan's openers raced to 31 in three overs, with the in-form Javeria Khan taking on the bowling. But once Leigh Kasperek benefitted from a successful review of caught behind to send back Ayesha Zafar, Khan found little support from the rest of the line-up.
New Zealand's batting might was backed up by their spinners in the middle overs, and after enduring a nervous start courtesy Javeria Khan in their defence of 144, New Zealand folded Pakistan rapidly to seal the 54-run win. Offspinner Jess Watkin took 3 for 9 in her four overs and was chiefly responsible for Pakistan's slow combustion. Legspinner Amelia Kerr played support with 3 for 21.