Harmanpreet Kaur-led India was eliminated from the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup 2024 after New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 54 runs in the last group stage match at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. After losing the last clash against Australia, India's fortune in the marquee event was dependent on this clash. If Pakistan manages to win this match then India will directly qualify for the semifinal considering their net-run rate.
After opting to bat Sophie Devine-led side managed to score 110 runs in 20 overs where Suzie Bates was the highest run-getter scoring 28 off 29 and Pakistan's Nashra Sandhu was the stand-out performer from the bowling side. She picked up three wickets by conceding just 18 runs in her four-over spell.
Openers Suzie Bates (28) and Georgia Plimmer (17) added 41 runs for the opening stand and just when it seemed that the duo has created a solid foundation, the Pakistani spinners suddenly applied the choke on the opposition.
The two spinners -- off-break bowler Omaima Sohail (1/14 in 4 overs) and left-arm orthodox Nashra Sandhu (3/18 in 4 overs) -- were brilliant through the middle overs with 21 dot balls and four wickets between them for only 29 runs.
While openers Suzie Bates (28) and Georgia Plimmer (17) added 41 runs for the opening stand and just when it seemed that the duo has created a solid foundation, the Pakistani spinners suddenly applied the choke on the opposition.
While chasing the total, Eden Carson picked up Aliya Riaz's wicket in the second over and Pakistan lost their five wickets on just 28 runs. The side got bundled out on just 56 runs where skipper Fatima Sana was the highest run-getter scoring 21 runs. Amelia Kerr was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand as she picked up three wickets in 2.4 overs.
Australia topped the group with eight points while New Zealand came second with six points. The loss to New Zealand in their tournament opener effectively cost India a place in the last four.
