New Zealand thrash Pakistan by seven wickets

Cuttack: A maiden five-wicket haul by Rachel Candy helped New Zealand thrash Pakistan by seven wickets and ensure a place in the Super Six, in the ICC Women`s World Cup league match, here on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Candy (5/16) was the star for White Ferns as they shot out Pakistan for just 104 runs in little over 41 overs and then returned to overhaul the target, reaching 108 for 3 in 29.4 overs. Chasing 104, New Zealand rode on skipper Suzie Bates` unbeaten half-century. Bates` scored 65 runs off 84 balls including 10 fours and stitched a 69-run partnership with Katie Perkins (25 not out) for the fourth wicket to take her side past the finishing line. This is Pakistan`s second loss in the tournament, following their 91-run loss to Australia. They were bundled out for just 84 chasing Australia`s 176 in that match. Earlier, opting to bat first, Pakistan lost both their openers for just 18 runs. Captain Sana Mir quickly followed them to the pavilion after she was trapped in front of the wicket by Candy for just one. Pakistan batting could never take off as they lost wickets at regular intervals, courtsey some fine bowling performance by the New Zealand bolwers at the Barabati Stadium here. Pakistan lost first six wickets for just 57 runs on the board in 23.5 overs before Asmavia Iqbal tried to build a partnership with Qanita Jalil (14). For Pakistan, only three batswomen could reach double digit scores with Asmavia Iqbal scoring 21 off 46 balls, the highest individual score, including five boundaries. Nicola Browne (2/12) ably supported Candy to finish off the Pakistani tail while Kate Broadmore finished with impressive figures of one for 15 in her 10 overs. Pakistan skipper Sana Mir got two wickets for her side while midium-pacer Sumaiya Siddiqi got one wicket. PTI