Sophie Devine-led New Zealand has eyed qualifying for the first women’s T20 World Cup finals after their 54-run victory against Pakistan in a Group Stage A match.
The final Group A stage matches had many nervous moments as the fate of the three teams awaited the result. However, the White Ferns secured a win which ensured their semi-final spot in the women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
After stunningly defending a low total, Sophie Devine expressed her delight in making it through the tough group. While speaking at the post-match conference, Sophie Devine said,
“Probably no one expected us to be here,” the skipper said. “I guess that’s a bit of a Kiwi way though, we sort of fly under the radar.
“We know that when we play our best cricket we can win this thing, so we’ll certainly enjoy tonight’s success and what we’ve been able to achieve, but this is now the next focus for us… we want to win the bloody thing.”
New Zealand started their campaign with a stunning victory against India in their opening match.
💬 “We know that when we play our best cricket we can win this thing!”
Sophie Devine has her sights set on something special 📝⬇️#T20WorldCup #WhateverItTakes #PAKvNZhttps://t.co/E65y8pwVHt
— ICC (@ICC) October 14, 2024
While asked about their success, Devine said, “It was huge and it’ll probably be something that we reflect back on once this tournament’s finished, whenever that is.
“I think I spoke after that match that we’d been planning that game for a long, long time and to see our plans come to fruition is something that was really pleasing.
“I guess at the time it’s always nice to win, but I guess the way that we won as well obviously helped our group and even tonight’s performance I think as well.”
Despite three wins, New Zealand could have been knocked out if India managed to beat Australia in a close-call encounter.
“I think from about the 12th over of the Australian bowling innings, we were clapping every single dot ball and things like that. It was another great game. Those two sides seem to have some absolute humdingers in terms of matches.”
“So, yeah, again, thanks to our Aussie mates across the ditch. Hopefully, we’ll be seeing them in a final in a couple of days’ time. It just shows the strength of women’s cricket that a side like India has missed out.
She also heaped praise on the Pakistan all-rounder Fatima Sana for her devotion to the game and also expressed her condolence to her and her family on her father’s loss.
“You know Pakistan are a dangerous team as well. I think Fatima Sana is just the absolute future of the women’s game and just so much respect for her and obviously condolences to her and her family,” Devine said.
“For her to come out there tonight just blows my mind really, to show her strength and stuff like that. So, with players like her going around, I think the women’s game is going to be in pretty good hands.”
With the first two semi-finalists having been determined, the semi-finalists from Group B will be decided with the final group stage match played between England Women and West Indies women on October 15 at Dubai International Stadium.
