In the inaugural practice match of their tour, the Pakistan women’s cricket team triumphed over New Zealand XI at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln. Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a total of 238 runs in their allotted 50 overs, losing 13 wickets in the process.
Najiha Alvi, the wicket-keeper batter, emerged as the top scorer with 38 runs, while opener Omaima Sohail contributed 24 runs, both players hitting two boundaries each before being dismissed.
In response, the New Zealand XI struggled against Pakistan’s bowling attack, ultimately managing 181 for 13 wickets. Captain Nida Dar showcased her bowling prowess, claiming four wickets with remarkable figures of 4-11. Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, and Nashra Sandhu also made impactful contributions, securing two wickets each and thwarting the Kiwi side’s attempts to chase down the target.
The two teams are set to face each other again in the next practice match, a T20 encounter scheduled for Thursday at the same venue. Following the practice matches, Pakistan is geared up for a series comprising three T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals against New Zealand.
The ODI series holds significance as it is part of the ICC Women’s Championship, where the top six teams will secure automatic berths for the 2025 Women’s World Cup in India, while lower-ranked teams will compete in the qualifiers. The upcoming matches offer a crucial opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies and assess their form ahead of the challenging international fixtures.
