New Zealand opening batter Suzie Bates scored an amazing century to help her side in clinching a 71-run victory against Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup.
Suzie's record
Batting first, New Zealand registered a total of 265 runs losing 8 wickets, in 50 overs. Opening batter Suzie Bates scored a century (126 runs off 135 balls) to earn a solid start for her side. Her innings was comprised of 14 boundaries and with this century she became the first New Zealand batter and fourth overall to reach 5000 runs in the women’s ODI.
Notably, this was her 12th ODI century.
Later, wicketkeeper Katey Martin (30 runs off 26 balls) and Brooke Halliday (29 runs off 38 balls) scored crucial runs to help their side in reaching a formidable total of 265.
For Pakistan, their spinner Nida Dar claimed three wickets as other bowlers- Anam Amin, Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu- bagged one wicket each.
Pakistan's run chase
In reply, Pakistan started the run chase confidently but they kept on losing wickets in quick succession. Pakistan all-rounder Nida Dar exhibited a resilient batting as she scored 50 runs off 53 balls but eventually her half century proved to be inconsequential as her side had to concede a defeat. Her innings was comprised of 5 boundaries and 1 six.
For New Zealand, their medium pacer Hannah Rowe displayed stunning bowling skills as she picked up five wickets to help her side in bundling out the opposition for a paltry total of 194/9 in 50 overs.
Apart from Hannah, spinner Frances Mackay claimed two wickets as Rosemary Mair and Amelia Kerr bagged one wicket each.
With this win, the Sophie Devine-led side ended the ongoing Women’s World Cup at seventh position after they managed to secure six points after playing seven matches.
Pakistan on the other hand, finished their league stage of the World Cup at eighth spot after they had to suffer defeat in six matches out of the seven games they played.
Australia and South Africa have already qualified for the semi-final.
Indian team led by Mithali Raj will take on South Africa in their final match of the league stage on March 28.
