![A match to remember for New Zealand. [Image: Getty]](https://www.womenscricinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/372620.webp "A match to remember for New Zealand. [Image: Getty]")
New Zealand showcased once again why they are a side to reckon with in the ODI format as they cliched a formidable 1-wicket win versus Pakistan in the 1st ODI at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Batting first, Pakistan posted 220 as the White Ferns restricted their batting with Sophie Devine, Molly Penfold and Fran Jonas doing much of the damage with the ball. Chasing down the total with a few hiccups, New Zealand won by a narrow margin of 1 wicket and 7 balls to spare.
New Zealand won the toss and decided to bowl first. Off to a pristine start, Pakistan was shaken to the core as their Muneeba Ali was dismissed by Lea Tahuhu for a golden duck. The duo of Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof then batted on with grit and lent some much-needed stability to the batting. However, their dismissals in a span of 5 overs jolted Pakistan and with Aliya Riaz also falling for an indifferent 7 as Sophie Devine struck, the momentum was slowly slipping away from their hands as they stared down the barrel at 35/4.
Wicket! Molly Penfold dismisses Bismah Maroof in her first over of the day. Follow play LIVE in NZ on @TVNZ DUKE & @SENZ_Radio. Live scoring | https://t.co/UdcPHLqVj7 #NZvPAK #CricketNation #Cricket pic.twitter.com/gSfkmIP1Mk
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) December 15, 2023
With the stand-in slipper Fatima Sana and Natalia Pervaiz, the rebuilding effort began and they forged a crucial partnership. They batted with precision and poise, avoided taking unnecessary risks and ensured that Pakistan remained on course. The 90-run partnership sealed meant some stability, however, with Pervaiz’s dismissal for 39, Najiha Alvi was the next batter at the crease joining Fatima Sana.
Molly Penfold breaks the 90-run partnership between Natalia Parvaiz & Fatima Sana! Follow play LIVE in NZ on @TVNZ DUKE & @SENZ_Radio. Live scoring | https://t.co/UdcPHLqVj7 #NZvPAK #CricketNation #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Mx7Uu0dYcD
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) December 15, 2023
Sana’s onslaught continued as she struck periodic boundaries and kept the scoreboard in check with runs. Alvi’s contributions were also timely and needed for Pakistan’s cause keeping them in contention for a good total. Her dismissal for 32 and the run out of Nashra Sandhu for 2 once again was counterproductive.
Then as the wickets fell in clumps with Umme Hani, Sadia Iqbal and Ghulam Fatima dismissed, Fatima Sana was the lone batter standing at 90 as Pakistan were skittled for 220. Sophie Devine had a stellar run with the ball pocketing three wickets and with Molly Penfold and Fran Jonas taking two wickets, New Zealand undoubtedly had a stellar run with the ball.
1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ ODI wickets! Sophie Devine becomes just the 2nd WHITE FERN behind Lea Tahuhu (107*) to reach the triple-figure feat. #NZvPAK #CricketNation #Cricket pic.twitter.com/4BY6sSuOik
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) December 15, 2023
The White Ferns seemed all in to chase down the total but the loss of Amelia Kerr for a run-a-ball 4 was the first nail in the coffin as Fatima Sana provided an early breakthrough. Then it was Sophie Devine who fell for 6 as Sana was once again in the forefront delivering the final punch.
With the dependable Suzie Bates and Maddy Green, New Zealand reconstructed their run-chase as the duo batted on through the powerplay and through the 20 overs mark. At this point, they seemed to have understood the conditions to the fullest and struck boundaries at will and carefully stitched a 142-run partnership. Their fairytale came to an end as Ghulam Fatima got rid of Suzie Bates for 74 and Maddy Green for 83 in a span of 4 overs titling the match in Pakistan’s favour.
Suzie Bates and Maddy Green bring up a 100-run partnership at the halfway mark! Follow play LIVE in NZ on @TVNZ DUKE & @SENZ_Radio. Live scoring | https://t.co/UdcPHLqVj7 #NZvPAK #CricketNation #Cricket pic.twitter.com/1AKVaoHYyY
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) December 15, 2023
Further, with Izzy Gaze and Hannah Rowe also getting dismissed by Fatima who was instrumental in these crucial wickets, New Zealand seemed to completely lose plot. Georgia Plimmer was sent back to the pavilion for a score of 10 by Sadia Iqbal and New Zealand was 7 wickets down in a span of 43 runs. This was a middle-order collapse that was disastrous to their prospects to win the game.
With the target and the required run rate still within their control it was eventually the tailenders, Lea Tahuhu’s calm and composed 21 and knocks of 2 and 5 from Molly Penfold and Fran Jonas that took New Zealand across the line with one wicket and seven balls to spare.
Series sealed at Hagley Oval! Maddy Green (83) and Suzie Bates (74) led the run chase with Lea Tahuhu (21*) and Fran Jonas (5*) bringing it home. Scorecard | https://t.co/UdcPHLrt8F. Catch the team's final outing for 2023 at the 3rd Dulux ODI on Monday in Christchurch. #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/n1E6OYNklr
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) December 15, 2023
New Zealand vs Pakistan 2nd ODI: Brief Scores
Pakistan- 220 all out in 50 overs (Fatima Sana 90*, Natalia Pervaiz 39; Sophie Devine 3-25, Fran Jonas 2/36) lost to New Zealand- 221/ 9 in 48.5 overs (Maddy Green 83, Suzie Bates 74; Fatima Sana 4-47) by one wicket.
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