Pakistan, already eliminated from semifinal contention in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, are poised to play spoilers when they face New Zealand in a critical Group Stage match on Saturday, October 18, at 3 PM IST. Sitting at the bottom of the standings with three losses and one no-result, Pakistan are coming off a frustrating washout against England, where they restricted the hosts to 133 for nine and were comfortably placed at 34 for no loss in a revised chase of 113 before rain intervened. A victory could disrupt the tournament standings and boost Pakistan’s morale as they aim to exit on a high note.

New Zealand, the 2000 champions, are teetering just outside the top four with three points from three completed matches. After early losses to Australia and South Africa, the White Ferns secured a vital win against Bangladesh, but a rain-abandoned match against Sri Lanka halted their momentum. With challenging fixtures against India on October 23 and England on October 26 looming, Sophie Devine’s squad desperately needs a full match and a win to keep their semifinal hopes alive. Another washout, with light showers forecast, could severely dent their campaign.

Pakistan’s bowling unit has shown promise, led by captain Fatima Sana, who claimed four wickets against England, supported by left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal’s two scalps. Pacers Marufa Akter and leg-spinner Shorna Akter have also delivered in earlier games, and Pakistan will bank on their collective firepower to challenge New Zealand’s experienced batting lineup. The White Ferns, however, rely heavily on Devine, who averages an impressive 86.66, with Brooke Halliday providing crucial support. Yet, inconsistencies from top-order stalwarts Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, and Amelia Kerr have put added pressure on Devine to anchor the innings.

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New Zealand’s bowling, led by Devine (3/54) and Bree Illing (2/39) in their last outing, remains a steady force, but both teams’ batters have been starved of time at the crease due to weather disruptions. With rain a persistent threat, Pakistan will aim to capitalize on any opportunity to upset the Kiwis’ plans, while New Zealand must seize every moment to secure crucial points. The squads—Pakistan with Sana, Muneeba Ali, and Sidra Amin, and New Zealand with Devine, Bates, and Amelia Kerr—promise a competitive duel, weather permitting, in a match that could reshape the race to the semifinals.

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