Sophie Devine’s NZ Women Stun Pakistan by 54 Runs in Sharjah T20 World Cup Showdown
Oct, 19 2025
When Sophie Devine, captain of New Zealand Women led her side to a 54‑run victory over Nida Dar, captain of Pakistan Women at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on 15 October 2024, during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024Sharjah. New Zealand posted 110/6 in their full 20 overs, while Pakistan were bundled out for a meagre 56 in just 11.4 overs.
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates
- Date: 15 October 2024
- Result: New Zealand Women won by 54 runs
- New Zealand total: 110/6 (20 overs)
- Pakistan total: 56 all out (11.4 overs)
Match Summary and Key Performances
New Zealand’s chase began cautiously, reaching 27/2 before Amelia Kerr steadied the innings with a quick 30‑run cameo. Devine’s aggressive slog at the death, a boundary off the last ball, lifted the total to a defendable 110. The bowling spell that turned the game belonged to Lucy Higham, who claimed 3 wickets for just 12 runs. Her early breakthroughs – dismissing Pakistan’s opening pair for 7 – set the tone for a collapse that saw the Pakistani lineup never recover. Pakistan’s top order never got off the mark; Javeria Khan edged a catch to Higham on the third ball, and the rest fell cheaply to a disciplined New Zealand attack. The final wicket fell with just three balls left, leaving a stark 54‑run deficit.
Group A Stakes and Shifting Standings
Before the match, Group A was a tight race: Australia Women sat on six points, New Zealand also had six, Pakistan held four, and India trailed with two. The 54‑run win pushed New Zealand to six points from three games, cementing their place in the top two. Pakistan, despite the defeat, remain on four points but their net‑run‑rate took a severe hit, making a semi‑final berth unlikely unless they win the remaining game by a massive margin – a scenario experts deem improbable. India’s elimination was confirmed earlier after a loss to New Zealand; even a win in their final match could not lift them above Pakistan’s point total. The group now looks set for an Australia‑New Zealand showdown for the second semi‑final slot.
Reactions from Players and Officials
Devine, beaming after the win, said, “We knew we had to put pressure on early, and the bowlers delivered. It feels great to keep our momentum going as we head into the semis.” Dar, visibly disappointed, added, “We gave ourselves a chance but couldn’t execute under pressure. Credit to New Zealand – they played a great game.” ICC CEO Geoff Allardice praised the quality of the tournament, noting, “The women’s game is producing thrilling cricket, and today’s contest showed why the World Cup is the pinnacle of T20.” Match referee David Boon highlighted the sportsmanship, saying, “Both sides played the game in the right spirit – a hallmark of this event.”
Implications for the Semi‑Finals
With the group settled, New Zealand will meet England Women in Semi‑Final 2 on 17 October 2024 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. England, having topped Group B with six points, pose a formidable challenge. Australia Women, unbeaten in Group A, will clash with South Africa Women – the winners of Group B’s second spot – in Semi‑Final 1 on 16 October. Both semi‑finals are slated to start at 14:30 GST, promising a weekend of high‑octane cricket. The eventual champion will pocket USD 255,000, a portion of the tournament’s USD 798,000 prize pool.
Background: The Road to Sharjah
The tournament kicked off on 3 October in Sharjah, featuring ten teams split into two groups. New Zealand’s campaign began with a comfortable 58‑run win over India, powered by Devine’s unbeaten half‑century and a four‑for‑19 spell from Rosemary Mair. Pakistan’s maiden victory came against Sri Lanka on day one, a 31‑run margin that marked their first ever win over the Sri Lankan side in a Women’s T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Australia continued their dominance with a narrow nine‑run win over India, and England secured a 21‑run triumph over Bangladesh, both reinforcing the high competition level. As the group stage draws to a close, the focus shifts to tactical adjustments, player fitness, and the ever‑crucial net‑run‑rate – a statistical tie‑breaker that has already decided fortunes for India. The Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with a capacity of 20,000, has witnessed over 200 international fixtures, and its pitch this year offered just enough assistance to both batters and bowlers, contributing to the drama seen in today’s match.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does New Zealand’s win affect their semi‑final opponent?
The victory secures New Zealand’s place in the top two of Group A, meaning they will face England Women – the Group B leaders – in Semi‑Final 2. England entered the knockout stage unbeaten, so New Zealand must maintain their aggressive approach to have a chance.
Why was Pakistan’s total of 56 considered the lowest of the tournament?
At 56 all out, Pakistan posted the smallest score in the 2024 edition. Their early wickets fell to disciplined New Zealand bowling, and the lack of partnerships prevented any recovery, leaving them well below the tournament average of 92 runs.
What are the key factors that decided the match?
Two factors stood out: New Zealand’s tight bowling – especially Lucy Higham’s 3‑12 spell – and the early wickets that Pakistan lost. Coupled with a solid chase by Devine and Kerr, the balance tipped decisively in New Zealand’s favor.
When and where will the semi‑finals be played?
Semi‑Final 1 (Australia vs South Africa) is set for 16 October 2024 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, starting at 14:30 GST. Semi‑Final 2 (England vs New Zealand) follows on 17 October 2024 at the same venue and kickoff time.
What does this result mean for Pakistan’s World Cup hopes?
Pakistan remain in contention with four points, but their net‑run‑rate took a heavy blow. They must win their final group match by a large margin and hope other results go their way to clinch the second semi‑final slot – a scenario that grows slimmer by the day.