Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer of New Zealand cross during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the UAE. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
White Ferns captain Sophie Devine believes their “Kiwi” approach to the T20 World Cup has helped them to the brink of qualification for the semi-finals.
A win for New Zealand over Pakistan in their final group game in Dubai on Tuesday morning will guarantee them a place in a World Cup semi-final for the first time since 2016.
“We stay pretty placid, pretty calm and that has been the message to the group, we don’t want to ride the highs and lows of cricket because if you do that it is going to be an emotional roller-coaster and you’re going to exhaust yourself,” Devine said on the eve of the game.
“Living on the emotions day to day can be draining, so we’ve spoken a lot about being calm and level.
“For me as a leader I just let the girls do what they want, they’re a great bunch.”
The White Ferns upset India in their opening game before a comprehensive loss to defending champions Australia.
However, the eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka at the weekend got them back on track, leaving their destiny in their own hands.
“We’re really pleased with the position we’re in, (especially) if you’d asked us at the start of the tournament that we would have our fate in our own hands.
“We’re fortunate that we know the position that we’re in when we play the game.”
Amelia Kerr of New Zealand celebrates with teammates during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the UAE. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
A big win for Pakistan over the White Ferns can put them into the semi-finals.
Pakistan need to win by 53 or more runs (after scoring 150).
“Obviously, we know that the pool is still open,” Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali said.
“We have a chance to win this match and if we win by a good margin, we have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals. So, this is our motivation. We are all hopeful to win tomorrow’s match and to win by a good margin.”
Captain Fatima Sana has returned to the tournament after a family bereavement and will play against New Zealand.
“She brings a lot of things to the table. She is our captain. It will be a good combination with them, as it always is,” Muneeba said.
Pakistan have never reached the semi-finals of a women’s World Cup.
However they did beat New Zealand 2-1 in a T20 series in New Zealand in December 2023.
Copyright © 2024, Radio New Zealand
The Australian cricketers have completed the first part of the equation the White Ferns need to qualify for the semi-finals of the women’s T20 World Cup.
A milestone innings from opener Georgia Plimmer set the White Ferns up for their second win at the T20 World Cup.
The White Ferns have the T20 World Cup semi-finals in their sights and are treating their final two group games as must wins.
The White Ferns have been brought back down to earth quickly with a 60 run loss to Australia at the women’s T20 World Cup.
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