2025 Women’s World Cup [WATCH]: Suzie Bates picks a stunner to remove Muneeba Ali in NZ-W vs PAK-W game

The 19th game of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 between Pakistani women And New Zealand women at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on October 18, 2025 proved to be an intense match punctuated by tight bowling, strong fielding and relentless pressure. New Zealand, having won the toss, opted to bowl first against an already struggling Pakistan side. The damp conditions and somewhat active pitch were expected to favor disciplined bowling, and the White Ferns took full advantage of the early conditions.

Suzie Bates’ brilliant grab sends Muneeba Ali into action in NZ-W vs. PAK-W battle

Suzie Bates‘ brilliant midwicket catch to dismiss Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali became the defining moment of the match. Jess Kerr delivered a short ball at 101.7 km/h, angling well outside the stump over Muneeba. Muneeba attempted a pull shot and stepped across but was under pressure as Bates positioned himself perfectly at midwicket.

Bates, showing exceptional athleticism, ran to her left and dived to complete an excellent catch, neatly holding the ball after it almost escaped her grasp. Muneeba, who looked promising with 22 runs off 26 balls with four boundaries, was thus dismissed, marking a major breakthrough for New Zealand. This catch not only lifted the spirits of the New Zealand team but also marked the beginning of the collapse of the Pakistan top order. At that point, Pakistan were 30/2 in the seventh over, already in the background after Jess’ dismissal earlier Omama Sahal LBW.

Here’s the video:

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Pakistan’s batting falters against New Zealand’s tight bowling before rain halts play

The Pakistani innings saw disciplined bowling spells from Jess, TahuhuAnd Sophie Devine that steadily suffocated the run flow and took wickets at crucial times. The early momentum Pakistan had gained with solid starts from Muneeba and Omaima was abruptly halted by New Zealand’s precise bowling. With 12.2 overs, Pakistan had lost three wickets for just 52 runs. Shadra Amin contributed a short stay with 9 runs off 16 balls before falling to Tahuhu.

Rain then intervened, interrupting the flow of the match and halting Pakistan’s attempts to rebuild their innings. At a score of 12.2 over, Pakistan were 52 for 3, with Aliya Riaz trying to stabilize the innings, unbeaten on 11 off 17 deliveries. The current run rate was 4.21, reflecting the tight fielding and bowling pressure exerted by New Zealand. This rain delay put a damper on Pakistan’s chances, who were in dire need of a strong batting display to boost their slim hopes of the tournament.

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This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.