Pakistan end Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with dominant 37-run win over Netherlands Cricket News:
Pakistan: signed out of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a convincing 37-run win over the Netherlands at the County Ground on Saturday, producing a disciplined bowling display to bowl out the tournament debutants for just 89 in 18 overs.Captain Fatima Sana led from the front with an outstanding spell, finishing with figures of 3-12, including a stunning triple-wicket maiden that put the game out of reach for the Netherlands. Ayesha Zafar provided good support by taking 3-13 as Pakistan ended their campaign on a winning note to finish fifth in Group A.Chasing Pakistan’s target, the Netherlands made an encouraging start through Heather Siegers, who played positively from the start. The opener hit five boundaries while battling Sadia Iqbal, Fatima Sana and Diana Baig, racing to 24 off just 16 deliveries. However, Pakistan hit back when Diana fooled Heather with a slow delivery that was trapped lbw. The decision was upheld after the DRS confirmed the on-field call.The Netherlands suffered another loss soon after when Phebe Molkenboer was run out for eight after a sharp direct hit from Eyman Fatima at short fine leg. Sterre Kalis then joined captain Babette de Leede in an attempt to keep the innings going, but Pakistan’s spin attack gradually tightened its grip. Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan dried up the scoring opportunities, and Sterre eventually departed for 12 after Nashra was clipped by his stumps while attempting a cut shot.Babette continued to battle alongside Robine Rijke as the pair relied on singles and doubles to keep the chase alive. Babette found the boundary on a few occasions, including twice against part-time spinner Ayesha Zafar. However, Pakistan’s bowlers remained in excellent control, and Ayesha was soon in her team’s favour. He trapped Robine lbw before Sanya Khurana was stupid not to score and then dismissed Frederique Overdijk, who sliced a catch straight to cover for six.Any hope of a later revival was dashed after a spectacular run-out involving Iris Zwilling. Babette’s straight drive ricocheted off her batting partner at the non-striker’s end, leaving Iris stranded in the middle of the pitch. Ayesha reacted quickly to pick up the ball and throw it to the wicketkeeper, completing the unusual dismissal.With the bottom order revealed, Fatima Sana got the job done in style. The Pakistan captain dismissed Babette de Leede, who scored 30, before the clean bowling of Silver Siegers and Caroline de Lange to complete her remarkable spell and seal a comfortable victory. Heather Siegers contributed 24 for the Netherlands, but it was not enough to prevent Pakistan from ending their World Cup campaign on a positive note.
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