Pakistan Women End T20 World Cup Campaign with 37-Run Win Over Netherlands

Pakistan Women brought the curtain down on their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign on a positive note, defeating the Netherlands by 37 runs in their final group stage encounter at the County Ground in Bristol on Saturday — claiming what proved to be their only victory across five matches in the tournament.

Having won the toss and elected to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 126 for six in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by an outstanding knock from Gull Feroza, who remained unbeaten on 63 off 52 balls and was subsequently named Player of the Match for her match-winning contribution.

Ayesha Zafar provided solid support with 32 runs from 29 balls, while Tuba Hassan chipped in with an unbeaten seven at the close of the innings, helping Pakistan set the Netherlands a target of 127 runs.

Netherlands Fall Short Despite Strong Start

The Netherlands began their chase with intent but ultimately could not sustain the required run rate and were bowled out for 89 in 18 overs, falling 37 runs short of the target. Babette de Leede, the Dutch captain, top-scored with 30 runs, while Heather Siegers contributed 24.

Pakistan’s bowling attack proved decisive, with Ayesha Zafar and Fatima Sana each claiming three wickets. Zafar finished with figures of three wickets for 13 runs, while Fatima Sana was equally impressive with three wickets for 12 runs, combining to dismantle the Netherlands batting lineup and seal a comfortable Pakistan victory.

Fatima Sana Credits Team, Seeks Batting Improvement

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana reflected positively on the team’s collective effort, crediting the entire squad for their performance while acknowledging that the side needed improvement in batting — a shortcoming that had contributed to their difficult campaign overall.

Gull Feroza echoed the captain’s sentiments, stating that the victory was important for the team and praising the unwavering support from fans throughout the tournament.

Pakistan Women finished fifth in Group 1, while tournament debutants the Netherlands ended their maiden World Cup campaign at the bottom of the table. Though the result offered little consolation for a largely disappointing campaign, the performance of players like Gull Feroza and the bowling pair of Zafar and Fatima Sana will provide grounds for optimism as Pakistan Women look ahead to future international assignments.