Women’s World Cup 2025 : Suzie Bates plucks a stunner to remove Muneeba Ali in NZ-W vs PAK-W game

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The 19th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 between Pakistan Women and New Zealand Women at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on October 18, 2025, turned out to be an intense contest punctuated by tight bowling, strong fielding, and relentless pressure. New Zealand, having won the toss, opted to bowl first against an already struggling Pakistan side. The humid conditions and slightly active pitch were expected to favour disciplined bowling, and the White Ferns made full use of the early conditions.

Suzie Bates‘ brilliant midwicket catch to dismiss Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali became the defining moment of the match. Jess Kerr delivered a short ball at 101.7 kph, angling across Muneeba well outside off stump. Muneeba attempted a pull shot, stepping across, but was under pressure as Bates positioned herself perfectly at midwicket.

Bates, showing exceptional athleticism, ran to her left and dived to complete an outstanding catch, neatly clutching the ball after it almost escaped her grasp. Muneeba, who had looked promising on 22 runs off 26 balls with four boundaries, was thus dismissed, bringing a significant breakthrough for New Zealand. This catch not only lifted the spirits of the New Zealand team but also began the collapse of Pakistan’s top order. At that point, Pakistan were 30/2 in the seventh over, already on the back foot after Jess had earlier dismissed Omaima Sohail LBW.

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Pakistan’s innings saw disciplined bowling spells from Jess, Lea Tahuhu, and Sophie Devine that steadily choked the run flow and took wickets at crucial moments. The early momentum Pakistan had gained with solid starts from Muneeba and Omaima was halted abruptly by New Zealand’s precise bowling. By 12.2 overs, Pakistan had lost three wickets for just 52 runs. Sidra Amin contributed a brief stay with 9 runs off 16 balls before falling to Tahuhu.

Rain then intervened, interrupting the flow of the match and halting Pakistan’s efforts to rebuild their innings. At the 12.2 over mark, Pakistan stood at 52 for 3, with Aliya Riaz trying to stabilize the innings, unbeaten on 11 from 17 deliveries. The current run rate was 4.21, reflecting the tight fielding and bowling pressure exerted by New Zealand. This rain delay was a dampener for Pakistan’s chances, who desperately needed a strong batting display to boost their slim hopes in the tournament.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.