Devine wants New Zealand to relish return to semi-final stage
Media release
Sophie Devine urged New Zealand’s youngsters to soak up the experience of their nation’s first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final appearance in eight years.
The White Ferns overcame Pakistan to become the second team to book their spot in the knockout stages, joining holders Australia in the final four.
The achievement marks a mighty turnaround for Devine’s side who came to the UAE on a 10-match losing run in the T20I format having not reached the semi-finals since 2016.
“For us, it’s about going in with open eyes and enjoying the experience,” said Devine.
“It’s been a long time between semi-finals for us older girls and the young ones, I just want them to lap up the experience. It’s a great opportunity for them.
“It’s going to be a big occasion but it’s a huge part of their career. We’ll be soaking it up. It’s going to be nerve-wracking but these games are the reason why you play cricket.
"We’ll have big smiles on our faces whoever we’re playing.”
Devine, Suzie Bates, Leigh Kasperek and Lea Tahuhu are the four members of the New Zealand squad who featured in their 2016 semi-final defeat to eventual winners West Indies.
Bates rode her luck to make 28 and get her side off to a strong start, eventually reaching a below-par total of 110, while Tahuhu took the key wicket of Muneeba Ali to hasten Pakistan’s collapse.
Two of New Zealand’s younger crop, off-spinner Eden Carson and leg-spinning all-rounder Amelia Kerr, combined for five wickets as Pakistan fell to 56 all out chasing a huge net run rate swing.
“I’m incredibly proud of this group,” said Devine. “Results have not gone our way leading into this tournament but we stuck to our process and when we get it right, we can beat any team in the world.”
With Fatima Sana returning to captain the side, Pakistan needed to chase New Zealand’s total in 10.4 overs to reach the semi-finals.
Fatima took four catches and top-scored with 21 runs but her team-mates were unable to match her efforts.
Pakistan dropped a number of chances and succumbed to the second-lowest all-out score in tournament history as they failed to capitalise on their win over Sri Lanka in the opening game.
“We were good with the ball but we have to improve our batting and fielding,” said Fatima. “We were not up to the mark. I think our seniors should step up in these kind of matches.
“As a bowling unit, we were up to the mark but we need to improve our batting, otherwise we cannot survive in women’s cricket. That is the main thing.”
ENDS