The WHITE FERNS suffered their first ODI defeat to Pakistan in 13 games.

Pakistan hits back | Curtis takes her opportunity

Posted Sunday, 5 November, 2017 in International Match Reports

The WHITE FERNS have had to settle for a 2-1 One Day International series win against Pakistan after the hosts claimed a five-wicket victory in the third ODI in Sharjah.

Scorecard

The win is Pakistan’s first ODI victory over New Zealand in 13 attempts and concludes the three-game ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) series.

Northern Spirit batswoman Sam Curtis was the shining light for the visitors, making a fighting 50 as her side were bowled out for 155.

In her first game of the tour, 32-year-old Curtis came to the wicket at 50 for 4 and struck five boundaries to post her second ODI half-century off 72 deliveries.

The WHITE FERNS made the hosts work for their inaugural victory by taking late wickets and forcing the run-chase down to the second to last ball of the penultimate over.

Experienced Pakistan spinner Sana Mir was named Player of the Match for her figures of 4-25. 

Earlier, the WHITE FERNS found themselves in immediate trouble after winning the toss and electing to bat.

After scoring 165 runs across the first two games, Sophie Devine’s fine run came to an end courtesy of a direct-hit run-out by Sidra Ameen in the second over.

Pakistan’s celebrations were exuberant and things got even better for the hosts when they also dismissed the dangerous duo of Suzie Bates and Amy Satterthwaite for single figures.

Wicket-keeper Katey Martin (15) and Auckland’s Maddy Green (26) got starts but failed to capitalise.

Anna Peterson (15) was a willing aid to Curtis down the order, with the pair putting on 38 for the sixth wicket.

Amelia Kerr continued her promising tour with the bat, scoring a dozen runs and combining with the tail to get the total up past 150.

If the WHITE FERNS were to defend the target they would need early wickets, but they didn’t come.

A 40-run opening stand was followed by two patient partnerships to ease the hosts' nerves.

Canterbury swing-bowler Thamsyn Newton (1-26) impressed in her ten overs, while spinners Anna Peterson (2-25), Leigh Kasperek (0-28) and Kerr (1-28) were a challenge on the turning pitch.

Despite three late wickets, Pakistan were able to reach the total thanks to the cool heads of captain Bismah Maroof (36*) and Mir (12*), who struck the winning runs with seven balls remaining.

The sides will reconvene at the same venue on Wednesday when they begin a four-game T20I series.

As it happened...

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