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In their must-win game against New Zealand, Pakistan were spectacular with the ball restricting the White Ferns’ score to 110/6 despite several dropped catches. At the start, Pakistan batters went for the kill to chase down the target early and improve their net run rate (NRR) to qualify for the semifinals. But they not only lost the match but were bowled out for 56, the second-lowest score in Women’s T20 World Cup history. The batting effort did not sit well with the captain Fatima Sana who ran out of partners and eventually lost her wicket as well. She said the team can’t survive without improving their batting.
“We were good in the bowling but we need to improve our fielding and batting. We were not up to the mark in batting and the seniors need to step up in that kind of matches. As a bowling unit we were up to the mark, but we need to improve in batting, otherwise we can't survive in women's cricket,” Fatima said in the post-match presentation.
While Fatima dropped a few catches, she took four out of five in New Zealand's innings. She did not strike with the ball but top-scored with 21 runs from 23 balls including two fours. Only other batter scoring in double digits was opener Muneeba Ali as Pakistan suffered a batting collapse and were bowled out for 56 in 11.4 overs.
Pakistan's previous lowest total in T20 World Cup was 60. They registered it against England in the inaugural edition in 2009.
Fatima’s emotional comeback
Earlier, Fatima got emotional as she returned to the field. She missed the match against Australia as she had to fly back home after her father’s demise. Within a few days, she rejoined the camp. She could not hold back her tears during the national anthem. Young all-rounder Fatima was hailed by many for her commitment to the game.
Pakistan bowed out of the tournament with just one win at the group stage. They beat Asian Champions Sri Lanka by 31 runs in their campaign opener.
