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After suffering a crushing loss to Australia, New Zealand bounced back to defeat Sri Lanka by eight wickets to maintain their strong semifinal hopes. Pakistan’s campaign began with a victory over Sri Lanka, but they lost badly versus Australia and India after that.
All New Zealand has to do to go to the semifinals is defeat Pakistan, thanks to Australia’s victory against India. Their confidence will be enhanced by Amelia Kerr’s runs and wickets, and by Georgia Plimmer, who is starting to find her groove. They chased down a modest mark of 116 against Sri Lanka, but it was a matter of the batting rallying after they were bowled out for 88 against Australia. They have resources to go in with six bowling options whether they persist with Fran Jonas or bring back Jess Kerr.
The return of Fatima Sana, Pakistan’s regular captain, who went home after her father passed away, will give them hope. On the other hand, their striking bowler Diana Baig is out due to a calf injury; her replacement, Najiha Alvi, may be able to play.
Prior to the match, Rosemary Mair had taken six wickets in three games, making her the second-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand. Despite bowling 14 dots and conceding at a mere 4.25 an over, she failed to pick up a wicket versus Sri Lanka. She has been used as a new-ball bowler and a first-change bowler, and she has dismissed important batsmen like Alyssa Healy and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Despite Pakistan’s slim chances of making it to the semifinals, Sana is vital to their future and was sorely missed in their match against Australia. In addition to capably leading the team, Sana had four wickets taken with the ball with a strike rate of 153.