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The proceedings in Group A of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup came to an end with New Zealand claiming a mammoth 54-run win over Pakistan to seal their progress into the semi-finals of the tournament. The Sophie Devine-led side made it to the final four stage for the first time since 2016 while India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have been eliminated.
New Zealand needed a win in their final group stage match to make it to six points and progress from the group along with Australia. After electing to bat first, the Pakistan bowlers made life difficult for New Zealand with a tight bowling display. Suzie Bates unleashed the paddle sweeps and reverse sweeps but could not find a way to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Pakistan were brilliant in the middle overs, choking the opposition with spin and giving the batters no pace to work with. New Zealand could only prod along and hope for a final flourish.
Despite their impressive bowling display, the Women in Green were atrocious on the field. They dropped as many as eight catches, including three in the final over as New Zealand ended up with 110-6 on the board.
To overcome the massive net run-rate difference and claim the two points that would send them into the top two, Pakistan had to chase down the total in 10.4 overs. If Fatima Sana and Co. breached the target after that cut-off, India would have qualified instead.
Pakistan went all-out in the run chase, given that the required rate exceeded 10 runs an over for their semi-final ambitions. However, they could not keep up with the all-out aggressive approach and lost five wickets inside the powerplay itself. India's hopes were quashed as well after Pakistan's lower order did not put up any resistance and were bundled out for just 56 runs in the 12th over.
The final standings of Group A witnesses Australia and New Zealand claim the top two spots with eight and six points, respectively. The defending champions had the highest net run-rate of +2.223, while New Zealand's net run-rate increased to +0.879 after the convincing win over Pakistan.
India finished third with four points and a net run-rate of +0.322. This marks the first time since 2016 that they have failed to make it to the semi-finals. Pakistan ended their campaign with two points and a net run-rate of -1.040 while Sri Lanka failed to win a single match and had a dismal net run-rate of -2.173.
New Zealand will face the Group B leader in the semi-finals
The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup has one more group stage contest remaining, which will decide the final standings in Group B. England will take on West Indies at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday, October 15.
A win for Heather Knight and Co. will ensure they finish as group toppers with eight points to their name. South Africa, with six points, can progress as the second-ranked team in this scenario.
However, if West Indies win, then the three teams will be tied on six points and the net run-rate will be the differentiator.
