Gull Feroza’s unbeaten half-century, combined with Ayesha Zafar’s steady batting and a disciplined bowling effort, propelled Pakistan to a 37-run victory against the Netherlands in their Women’s T20 World Cup encounter held in Bristol on Saturday.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a total of 126 for 6 before restricting the Netherlands to 89 runs. This win provided Pakistan with a much-needed boost after a challenging tournament, while the Dutch team was left disappointed following a promising start that ended in a collapse.
Feroza anchored the innings with an unbeaten 63 runs, supported by Zafar’s 32 in a vital 79-run partnership for the second wicket. Pakistan’s bowlers then took control, especially after Netherlands opener Heather Siegers threatened to dominate the chase early on.
Fatima Sana and Ayesha Zafar each claimed three wickets, while the spin attack tightened during the middle overs, preventing the Netherlands from regaining momentum.
Pakistan’s decision to bat first appeared shaky initially when Muneeba Ali was dismissed cheaply. However, Feroza and Zafar steadied the innings, gradually increasing the scoring rate through the middle overs. Their 79-run partnership laid a solid foundation after a slow start, with Feroza taking a more aggressive role as the innings progressed.
The team’s most productive phase came between the 10th and 14th overs, during which Feroza led a surge that added 36 runs in four overs. Her skillful strike rotation and ability to capitalize on loose deliveries helped Pakistan reach a competitive total.
Late in the innings, the Netherlands fought back with Silver Siegers and Iris Zwilling triggering a collapse by taking five wickets for 24 runs, which prevented Pakistan from pushing beyond 140. Fatima Sana, promoted to number four, was unable to contribute significantly with the bat, and the Dutch bowlers maintained pressure in the final overs. Nevertheless, Feroza’s composure ensured Pakistan finished with 126 runs on a challenging pitch.
The Netherlands started their chase positively, with Heather Siegers scoring 24 runs off 15 balls as the team reached 31 runs in 20 balls, raising hopes of a successful pursuit. However, Siegers’ dismissal marked a turning point. After an initial leg-before decision was overturned, Pakistan’s review confirmed the ball was hitting the stumps, ending her promising innings.
Shortly after, a risky single led to a run-out, with Eyman Fatima executing a direct hit. Pakistan then relied on their spin bowlers, with Nashra Sandhu delivering an economical spell, conceding just eight runs in three overs and building pressure as the required run rate climbed.
The Dutch batters struggled to find gaps and form partnerships, scoring only 23 runs in seven overs following Siegers’ dismissal. This allowed Pakistan to dominate the match.
Fatima Sana returned to finish the innings strongly, taking the last three wickets and finishing with figures of 3 for 12. Ayesha Zafar also took 3 for 13 as the Netherlands lost their final seven wickets for just 13 runs, sealing Pakistan’s comprehensive 37-run victory.
