Pakistan beaten by New Zealand in Women's World T20

SYLHET: New Zealand Women's captain Suzie Bates’ unbeaten 94 steered her side to a third successive win at the Women's World Twenty20, as they beat Pakistan Women by 59 runs.

The victory boosts New Zealand's chances of qualifying for the semi-finals, giving them a two-point lead over second-placed Australia in Group A, with one game left in the league stage.

Bates and Suzie Devine gave the side a brisk start after New Zealand opted to bat. The pair added 83 for the first wicket, before Devine was out for 44.

Then Bates took charge of the innings and batted aggressively for an unbeaten 94 in 61 balls, her career best score in T20s. She struck eight fours and two sixes, lifting New Zealand to a commanding 167 for three.

Later, Pakistan opener Javieria Khan and captain Sana Mir struck solid thirties but could not find any other batsman willing to support their efforts.

Felicity Leydon-Davis, playing her first match of the tournament, struck twice in her first over to leave Pakistan reeling at 36 for 3.

Pakistan's hopes then rested on Javeria and Sana Mir, but the former was run-out in the 11th over and from thereon, Pakistan could only limp to 108 for 7. Mir was unbeaten on 35 off 37 balls, while Leydon-Davis had the best returns for New Zealand with 2 for 15 in four overs.