With their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign already over, the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team enter Saturday’s clash against New Zealand with one powerful motivation: play the role of spoiler. While Pakistan can no longer progress to the semifinals, a victory over New Zealand would significantly damage the White Ferns’ chances of qualifying for the knockout stage — and inject much-needed positivity into Pakistan’s otherwise disappointing campaign.
New Zealand, on the other hand, walk into this fixture under immense pressure. Sitting just outside the top four with three points from three matches, Sophie Devine’s side cannot afford another slip-up, especially with tough games looming against India on October 23 and England on October 26. A loss—or even a washout—against Pakistan could derail their entire semifinal bid.
With weather forecasts again predicting light rain, Saturday’s match may become one of the most unpredictable and consequential group-stage encounters of the tournament.
Pakistan: A Tournament of Missed Opportunities and Unfinished Stories
Pakistan’s journey in the 2025 Women’s World Cup has been a frustrating mix of promise and misfortune. They have shown flashes of brilliance, yet results have consistently gone against them. Their most recent match against England perfectly summarized their campaign:
- Disciplined bowling restricted England to 133/9 in a rain-shortened 31-over game
- Confident batting start at 34/0 in just 7.3 overs
- Rain interruption ended the contest prematurely, denying Pakistan a probable victory
Instead of collecting their first win, Pakistan were left with a no-result and remained at the bottom of the standings with three losses and one abandoned match.
Fatima Sana Leads with Heart and Skill
Captain Fatima Sana has been Pakistan’s standout performer. Her four-wicket haul against England was a masterclass in seam bowling, showcasing accuracy, swing, and control under pressure. Her leadership, especially during the toughest moments of the tournament, has won praise from analysts and fans alike.
Sana will again be central to Pakistan’s plans — as will left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal, who claimed two vital wickets against England. Their partnership will be Pakistan’s biggest weapon against a New Zealand batting lineup that has heavily relied on a single player.
Pakistan’s Bowling Good Enough, But Batting Must Step Up
Pakistan’s bowling unit has generally punched above its weight. Along with Sana and Iqbal, the likes of Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, and Syeda Aroob Shah have shown discipline and determination.
However, Pakistan’s batting remains their biggest challenge. While openers Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin have provided occasional starts, the lack of consistent middle-order runs has cost them multiple matches. Against New Zealand’s well-structured attack, Pakistan’s batters will need to show far more resilience and tactical awareness.
New Zealand: A Tournament Balancing Between Hope and Desperation
New Zealand’s performance in the Women’s World Cup 2025 has been equally turbulent, though for different reasons. After suffering back-to-back defeats to Australia and South Africa, the White Ferns bounced back strongly by defeating Bangladesh. Just as they attempted to build momentum, their clash against Sri Lanka was washed out due to rain.
With tougher matches ahead, New Zealand now face a critical scenario:
✔ Beat Pakistan to stay in semifinal contention
✘ A loss would put them on the brink
✘ A washout would severely dent their qualification chances
Sophie Devine: Carrying a Team on Her Shoulders
Captain Sophie Devine has been nothing short of phenomenal. With an average of 86.66 in three innings, Devine has carried New Zealand’s batting almost single-handedly. Her controlled aggression, ability to rotate strike, and experience in crisis situations have held the team together.
Devine’s partnership with Brooke Halliday, particularly during the Bangladesh win, showcased how important stability has been for New Zealand’s middle order. If Devine fails early against Pakistan, the White Ferns may struggle.
Senior Batters Under Pressure
New Zealand’s biggest concern remains the form of their senior batters:
- Suzie Bates has not converted starts into big scores
- Amelia Kerr, usually reliable, has been inconsistent
- Georgia Plimmer has shown promise but lacks fluency
Their batting hinges heavily on Devine, which Pakistan’s bowlers will certainly target.
The Kiwi Bowling Unit: Disciplined and Consistent
New Zealand’s bowlers have done their job well, especially:
- Devine (3/54) — contributing with the ball
- Bree Illing (2/39) — dangerous in middle overs
- Eden Carson and Jess Kerr — providing control and swing
Against a fragile Pakistan batting unit, the Kiwi bowlers will look to attack early and prevent partnerships.
Weather Forecast: Rain Could Change Everything
Once again, rain threatens to play beside the players as a “third team.” According to early forecasts:
- Light showers expected
- Possible interruption in play
- DLS may come into effect
A rain-affected match will hurt New Zealand far more than Pakistan. Devine’s side cannot afford another washout, especially with India and England waiting ahead.
Match Details
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM IST
Venue: To be confirmed
Squads
Pakistan Women
Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah.
New Zealand Women
Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu.
Final Word
Pakistan will enter the contest with nothing to lose — which makes them dangerous. New Zealand, fighting for survival, will carry all the pressure. Whether the match becomes a thrilling upset, a Kiwi resurgence, or another rain-hit heartbreak, Saturday’s clash will play a pivotal role in shaping the Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal race.
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