After what seems like ages, a glimmer of good news has emerged from the realms of Pakistan cricket which is in ruins these days, it’s not like nobody’s talking about cricket in Pakistan, it’s just that nothing good is being said. But the women in green have changed that. A historic T20 series win in New Zealand has changed the cricket rhetoric from despair to hope. An achievement, even the Aussies are yet to achieve. In the series they bagged, there were a few firsts. First time beating NZ, the first time winning a T20 series outside Asia and Ireland and the first away series sweep away from home since 2018. Let’s take a look at how things unfolded for the girls.
T20 series win in New Zealand
Ever since Nida Dar was handed the reigns of Pakistan women’s cricket leadership, the camp has looked more fierce and always ready to take up the gauntlet. Their Asia Cup campaign might depict otherwise but it did have a happy beginning when they whitewashed guests South Africa 3-0. But this feat, against the white ferns, holds the weight of a mountain
The first-ever T20 win
The batters from the Pakistani side, with the help of bowling all-rounder Fatima Sana helped the green team register their first win. Winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the black caps were off to a steady start when the medium-pacer Fatima ran through their openers to shake the batting foundation of the hosts. At the 16th over mark, the NZ team was 90/5. The assault from the bowlers continued and in the last five overs, the girls in black could only manage 37 more runs setting a total of 127 for the guests.
The valiant warriors from Pakistan batters provided the team with a solid start.18-year-old Shawaal Zulfiqar’s 42 balls 41 gave the team much hope. Things got a little slow and unsettling in the middle. Pakistan needed 35 off 38 balls, so Aliya Riaz said no problem. The 31-year-old struck a blazing 25 runs off just 12 balls and with a little contribution from the opposite batter Bismah Maroof, the team was able to cross the winning line.
The Green Team seals the series
With confidence full to the brink, the Pakistan women’s team put on another one hell of a performance to clinch the T20 series win. The white ferns tried to change the script by winning the toss and opting to field first but the guests had come prepared.
Green shirts were provided a solid start by opener Muneeba, who scored 35(28) runs for the side. The situation got a little awry when captain Nida Dar and former captain Bismah Maroof fell victim to Molly Penfold’s deliveries within a three-ball span. As usual, Aliya Riaz was having none of it. The all-rounder smashed 22 balls 32 runs and registered a total of 137 runs for her team to defend.
Cometh the second inning, cometh the victory. Left-arm orthodox Sadia Iqbal provided the early breakthrough and ensured the openers never settled. Young Fatima then took things into her hands to send two more batters, Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, back to the pavilion. NZ then started repair work on the innings and for a moment it looked like the hosts would do away with the victory. However, the fourth ball of the 20th over changed the fate. A lightning delivery from Fatima Sana cracked the stumps apart creating history for her side while shattering the hopes of her opponents.
The 22-year-old bowling prodigy registered two three-wicket hauls in the two matches that proved pivotal for the women in green. Aliya Riaz’s batting prowess in both games proved to be the turning point in Pakistan’s favour.
Fans Celebrate the historic win
Cricket fans and fraternity were elated by this gigantic achievement. There were praises for the top performers and an overall joy at this valiant feat. Even the former skipper of the men’s side lauded the girls’ efforts
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