In what promises to be a thrilling encounter, Pakistan will lock horns with New Zealand in Match 19 of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 14. This clash has significant implications for both teams as they look to secure a spot in the playoffs.
New Zealand’s recent loss to Australia has affected their Net Run Rate, which currently stands at +0.282. Despite this setback, the Kiwis have managed to secure two wins out of three games and are currently placed third in the standings, just behind India. On the other hand, Pakistan’s chances of progressing to the next stage look bleak as they have only managed to win one out of their three matches. With a Net Run Rate of -0.488, the road to qualification seems challenging for the Pakistani team. However, they still have a mathematical chance of making it through. For that to happen, New Zealand will need to secure a convincing victory and hope that India slip up against Australia.
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch has been favoring the batsmen, but changes have been made to the deck which could assist the pacers in the evening. The weather forecast looks promising with clear skies and no threat of rain looming over the stadium.
In terms of match details, Pakistan’s skipper Fatima Sana missed the previous game due to a personal loss but is expected to return for the crucial group-stage fixture. The predicted XI for Pakistan includes players like Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, Fatima Sana, Aliya Riaz, Iram Javed, Omaima Sohail, Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, and Syeda Aroob Shah.
Amelia Kerr has been in excellent form with the ball for New Zealand and the team will rely on her to deliver in this must-win game. Georgia Plimmer has been among the runs with the bat, and the Kiwi middle-order looks solid heading into this crucial encounter.
As anticipation builds ahead of this exciting clash, all eyes will be on the players as they battle it out on the field with a spot in the playoffs at stake. It promises to be a gripping contest between two top teams in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.