Pakistan’s dismal fielding display cost them dearly in a 54-run defeat to New Zealand during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 14. The Women in Green dropped a staggering eight catches, squandering their chance to secure a win that would have helped arch-rivals India advance to the semi-finals.
New Zealand, after winning the toss and opting to bat, posted 110/6 in their 20 overs on a sluggish surface. Despite being gifted numerous lives by Pakistan’s fielders, the White Ferns struggled to put up a dominant total. However, Pakistan’s sloppy fielding allowed New Zealand to stretch their score beyond what was anticipated.
In reply, Pakistan faltered spectacularly. Fatima Sana’s side was bundled out for a paltry 56 runs in just 11.4 overs. The disciplined bowling efforts of Amelia Kerr (3/14) and Eden Carson (2/7) ensured that New Zealand secured a comfortable victory, booking their place in the semi-finals. This result dashed India’s hopes of progressing, as Australia and New Zealand advanced from Group A.
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Pakistan’s poor performance sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with fans and analysts lamenting their shocking fielding display. Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra joined the conversation with a sarcastic post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “In Asia, we don’t ‘drop’ players…we ‘rest’ them. We don’t even drop catches…we rest the ball on the ground.” The comment sparked an exchange between Chopra and fans, reflecting the widespread frustration over Pakistan’s fielding woes.
In Asia, we don’t ‘drop’ players…we ‘rest’ them.
In fact, we don’t even drop catches…we rest the ball on the ground 🤪🤣— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 14, 2024
You shouldn’t have gone down that route 🤡 https://t.co/ipMun9Fcwq pic.twitter.com/Ps9IncWSVG
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 14, 2024
New Zealand’s experienced players, including Suzie Bates (28) and Brooke Halliday (22), contributed key runs, while their bowlers sealed the victory. Visibly pleased with her team’s performance, Captain Sophie Devine praised her squad for sticking to the plan and bouncing back from earlier setbacks.
“Probably hasn’t sunk in yet,” Devine said post-match. “I’m just incredibly proud of this group. 2016 was the last time we made a T20 World Cup semi-final, so it’s been a long time coming. We’ll definitely celebrate this.”
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Sophie Devine also lauded her team’s resilience: “Results hadn’t gone our way leading into this tournament, but we stuck to our processes and belief. When we get things right, we can beat any team on the world stage.”
