Pakistan women's team wins historic series in New Zealand; takes unassailable 2-0 lead

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Pakistan women's cricket team reached a major landmark on Tuesday (December 5) by clinching the T20 series in New Zealand with a 10-run victory over the hosts in Dunedin on Tuesday. Pakistan won the three-match series with a game to spare as they took an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Asked to bat first, the much-improved Pakistan outfit posted a competitive total of 137/6 in the stipulated 20 overs. Defending the total, Pak bowlers kept the White Ferns in check and halted their innings at 127/7.

It was the first time that Pakistan have won a T20I series against the White Ferns in their history, while it was also their first T20I series triumph away from home since they defeated Bangladesh in October 2018.

And it was a much-deserved victory too, with the visitors receiving good contributions with the bat from Muneeba Ali (35), Aliya Riaz (32*) and former captain Bismah Maroof (21) as they amassed a good total after being sent into bat by the Kiwis.

Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal then removed Bernadine Bezuidenhout (2) and Amelia Kerr (2) to help reduce New Zealand to 9/2 in reply and there was no way back for the hosts as Pakistan cruised home with little trouble. Fatima Sana (3/22) was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, while Hannah Rowe top-scored for the home side with a well-compiled 33.

The third and final game of the series will be held in Queenstown on Saturday.
Things have started to improve ever since Pakistan Cricket Board for the first time have handed out domestic contracts of 11 months to 74 young women cricketers. Among the 74 players, 59 players belong to emerging and U19 categories, while 14 players have already represented Pakistan women's team at the senior level.

This important advancement has provided a substantial boost to the confidence of women cricketers, as an action-packed women's cricket season is all set to resume on September 1.

These domestic contracts have been conferred upon individuals who have displayed remarkable performances across various cricketing platforms, including domestic cricket tournaments, emerging tournaments, U19 domestic tournaments, and the ICC U19 Women's World Cup

-With inputs from ANI