Photo Credit: ICC
Sophie Devine admitted it was an emotional end to New Zealand’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2022 after Suzie Bates’ century and Hannah Rowe’s five-fer helped the hosts beat Pakistan.
The White Ferns’ hopes of making the semi-finals are virtually over after finishing on six points as they need Bangladesh to shock England, India to lose to South Africa and a massive swing in net run rate to qualify.
But there was still plenty for the Christchurch crowd to cheer after some special individual displays saw New Zealand to a 71-run win and reflecting on their whole campaign, captain Devine revelled in her side’s character even if results did not always go their way.
“We’ve spoken about this game being our final which unfortunately isn’t the final that we wanted to play in but there was still a lot to play for,” said Devine, who made 12 with the bat before watching on from the dugout as her opening partner and Player of the Match Bates smashed 126.
“For us, [we were playing for] pride and wanting to put on a good performance for a huge crowd here at Hagley Oval, which is unfortunately going to be our last game.
“There are a lot of tight games that didn’t go our way but the fight that we showed – I think back to the England game and if I’m being honest, a couple of years ago, we might have folded and not even got close.
“But to take it to the last over with one wicket in hand it just shows the character and the heart that this group has got and I think it’s only going to get better as time goes on and with more opportunities.”
When asked if she would continue to captain the side, Devine revealed she would not be making an immediate decision but indicated she was keen to continue.
“I think it’s probably too early to say at this stage. I certainly need to take some time away and just reflect,” said the 32-year-old, while also revealing it was too soon to say if the experienced trio of Bates, wicketkeeper Katey Martin and all-rounder Amy Satterthwaite would retire.
“I’m certainly really passionate about this team and I feel like we’re in a really good space.
“Obviously, results haven’t gone our way but I’ve just got so much love and I feel like I’ve still got more to give to this group.
“I don’t want to make any decisions at the moment. But I still feel like I’ve got a bit left in the tank.”
Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof made a watchful 38 from 66 balls and shared a partnership of 82 for the fourth wicket with Nida Dar, who struck 50 to become the first Pakistani woman to score two half-centuries at a World Cup.
However, Pakistan’s hopes faded fast when Bismah departed as the first of Hannah Rowe’s five wickets and her side suffered a collapse of six for 19.
Anam Amin and Nashra Sundhu batted out the overs but despite avoiding being bowled out, Pakistan finished well short of their target and end the group stage with two points in eighth place ahead of tomorrow’s final two fixtures.
While recognising there was plenty to improve upon, Bismah reserved special praise for vice-captain Nida’s all-round display as she also topped the bowling figures against the White Ferns with three for 39 with her off-spin, taking her tournament tally to 10 wickets, one behind England’s leading wicket-taker Sophie Ecclestone.
Bismah said: “Nida is a senior pro and she has taken the responsibility and how she has performed, it was good to see from her, especially in the bowling.
“We gave away too many runs in the field. If we could’ve restricted them to under 240, then we would’ve chased it down, nonetheless, the set batters – myself and Nida got out. If we could’ve stayed till the end, we might have had a chance to chase it.
“Nida Dar performed brilliantly in two matches [in the tournament] and we could’ve achieved more than we did, we need to improve and that will be our target.”
