New Zealand vs Pakistan Dubai, 6pm local time
New Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (captain), Susie Bates, Eden Carson, Isabella Guise, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Lee Kasprick, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Pinfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Leah. Tahoe.
Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Muniba Ali (week), Aliya Riaz, Gul Firoza, Iram Javed, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Umaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmeya Rabab, Toba . Hassan, Najiha Alawi.
Tournament format guide: New Zealand recovered from a heavy defeat against Australia and recorded an important eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka to remain a strong contender for the semi-finals. As for Pakistan, it started its journey by defeating Sri Lanka, but lost to India and then Australia.
News Brief: Thanks to Australia’s win over India, all New Zealand needs to do is beat Pakistan to advance to the semi-finals. Their confidence will be boosted by finding the form of Georgia Plimmer as well as the presence of Amelia Kerr among the runs and wickets. While the target of 116 they chased down against Sri Lanka was a modest target, it was about the batsmen coming back after being bowled out for 88 against Australia. They have the resources to slot in six bowling options whether they continue with Fran Jonas or bring back Jess Kerr.
Pakistan will be happy with the return of its key captain Fatima Sana, who returned to the UAE after returning to her homeland following the death of her father. However, one of the bowlers, Diana Paige, has been ruled out with a calf injury, and her replacement Najia Alvi could get a chance to play. Player to watch: Rosemary Mair, with six wickets in three matches, is New Zealand’s second-highest all-rounder to take the match. She went wicketless against Sri Lanka but bowled 14 overs and conceded just 4.25 overs. She dismissed key batsmen like Alyssa Healy and Harmanpreet Kaur and was used as a new bowler and bowler for the first change. Sana missed a lot of Pakistan’s match against Australia, and she is playing a key role in boosting their chances even though she has little chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. Sana scored a strike rate of 153 and took four wickets with the ball, apart from leading the team efficiently.
