Christchurch: Suzie Bates’ magnificent century and a five-wicket haul from Hannah Rowe helped New Zealand register a 71-run victory over Pakistan in their ICC Women’s World Cup match on Saturday. Bates’ knock of 126 powered the White Ferns’ to post 265/8 on the scoreboard and that proved too much for Pakistan as Rowe picked up the second best figures of the tournament (5/55) to seal the result for New Zealand at Hagley Oval. However, the victory is unlikely to help the Kiwis reach the semi-finals of the tournament with New Zealand now requiring both England and India to record large losses on March 27 to have any chance of sneaking in. It means the 2022 tournament hosts will most likely finish in sixth place on the standings, while Pakistan will end up in eighth position. Bates, who compiled her fourth World Cup hundred, hit 14 boundaries during her 135-ball innings as she brought up her 5000th ODI run for her country while pacing New Zealand’s total on what was an excellent batting wicket. The New Zealand veteran’s fellow batters got starts, but Katey Martin (30 not out), Brooke Holliday (29), Amelia Kerr (24) and Maddy Green (23) weren’t able to match the exploits of their more experienced teammate. Nida Dar (3/39) was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, which included two wickets in three deliveries early in her spell that disrupted New Zealand’s top-order. Dar was also the mainstay of Pakistan’s run chase, with her entertaining knock of 50 keeping her side in with a glimmer of hope of reaching the victory target. While Dar and her skipper Bismah Maroof (38) were together at the crease there was an outside chance, but the hosts New Zealand picked up wickets at crucial stages to deflate Pakistan prospects. It was spinner Frances Mackay (2/29) who caused the damage at the top of the Pakistan’s run chase, before Rowe sealed the contest by rattling their middle order. Brief scores: New Zealand 265/8 in 50 overs (Suzie Bates 126, Katey Martin 30 not out; Nida Dar 3/39) beat Pakistan 194/9 in 50 overs (Nida Dar 50; Hannah Rowe 5/55, Frances Mackay 2/29) by 71 runs. UNI PN
