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Colombo, Oct 17 (PTI) In search of their first win, Pakistan will aim to disrupt New Zealand's path to the semifinals in the ICC Women's World Cup clash scheduled for Saturday. Already out of contention, the Pakistan team would relish the opportunity to play spoiler.
Pakistan missed a golden opportunity in their previous game against England, which ended without result due to rain. They had England on the ropes at 133 for nine in a rain-restricted 31-over match and were cruising at 34 for no loss in a revised 113-run chase when rain intervened again.
The abrupt end left Pakistan at the bottom with three losses and one no-result from four games. Meanwhile, New Zealand, champions of the 2000 edition, are just outside the top four with three points from the same number of games.
Following consecutive defeats against Australia and South Africa, New Zealand revived their campaign with a crucial victory over Bangladesh. However, their progress was stalled as rain led to an abandoned match against Sri Lanka.
With challenging matches against India and England on October 23 and 26, the White Ferns need a full game on Saturday to keep their semifinal hopes alive. Pakistan has shown promise in their bowling attack, led by skipper Fatima Sana who took four wickets against England. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal provided valuable support with two scalps before the rain curtailed their efforts.
The team will rely on an all-round bowling performance, with players like pacer Marufa Akter and leg-spinner Shorna Akter having previously impressed. For New Zealand, captain Sophie Devine has been a standout performer, averaging 86.66 from three innings.
Devine's composed batting, alongside Brooke Halliday's gritty innings, was pivotal in their win over Bangladesh. However, inconsistency in the top order remains a concern, with seasoned players like Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, and Amelia Kerr struggling to convert starts.
In their last outing, New Zealand's bowling unit, led by Devine (3/54) and Bree Illing (2/39), showed steady form. But with limited game time due to weather, batters from both teams will aim to capitalize on any opportunity.
Weather continues to pose a threat with light showers expected, potentially disrupting proceedings again. A washout could severely impact New Zealand's campaign, but Pakistan will target a high finish to shake up the standings.
Squads: Pakistan: Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah. New Zealand: Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu.
Match starts: 3 PM IST.
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