NEW DELHI: New Zealand cricket fans had a memorable weekend as both the men’s and women’s national teams secured landmark victories.
The men’s team achieved their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years, while the White Ferns claimed the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title.
New Zealand batter Kane Williamson, who missed the first Test against India due to a groin injury, took to Instagram to congratulate both teams on their remarkable achievements.He wrote, “Criiiiickeeeet Congratulations @white_ferns, world champions! And the brothers in Bangalore, epic! Great weekend of sport.”

In the men’s Test match against India in Bengaluru, New Zealand’s bowlers Matt Henry (5/15) and William O’Rourke (4/22) skittled out the hosts for a paltry 46 runs after India elected to bat first. Contributions from Rachin Ravindra (134), Devon Conway (91), and Tim Southee (65) propelled New Zealand to 402/10, giving them a substantial 356-run lead.
Despite fine knocks from Rohit Sharma (52), Virat Kohli (70), Sarfaraz Khan (150), and Rishabh Pant (99), India could only manage 462/10, leaving New Zealand with a modest target of 106 runs. The Kiwis chased down the total comfortably, winning by eight wickets. Rachin Ravindra was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding performance.
On the other hand, the White Ferns secured their maiden T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 32 runs in the final. After being put in to bat, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 158/5, thanks to crucial knocks from Suzie Bates (32), Amelia Kerr (43), and Brooke Halliday (38).
In the run-chase, South Africa got off to a brisk start with Laura Wolvaardt (33) and Tazmin Brits (17) adding 51 runs for the opening wicket. However, they lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually restricted to 126/9, falling short by 32 runs. Amelia Kerr (3/24) and Rosemary Mair (3/25) were the standout bowlers for New Zealand, with Kerr being awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for her all-round performance.

Some fine bowling from Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson propelled New Zealand into the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup with a 54-run thrashing of Pakistan in their last group match on Monday.

Off-spinner Carson, who was named player of the match, took 2-7 from her three overs while Kerr ended with 3-14 as New Zealand bowled out Pakistan for just 56 in 11.4 overs.

New Zealand, who posted 110-6 off their 20 overs, became the second team from Group A to make it to the last four after holders Australia, who finished on top.

The defeat marked the end of Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying and meant that India was also eliminated, paying the price for their opening 58-run defeat by New Zealand.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” said New Zealand captain Sophie Devine. “We will certainly celebrate tonight but this is just the next stage of a tournament we are looking forward to.”

Pakistan needed to reach the target in just 10.4 overs if they were to improve their net run rate enough to overhaul the White Ferns in the table.

But they began their chase on a shaky note, losing openers Aliya Riaz, promoted up to opener, for nought and Muneeba Ali (15) inside the first five overs.

It was downhill thereafter, with Sadaf Shamas (two) being clean bowled by Fran Jonas and Iram Javed (three) being run out by a direct throw from Lea Tahuhu.

Reduced to 28-5 at the end of the powerplay, Pakistan never recovered. Skipper Fatima Sana, who was back with the team after flying home briefly to Pakistan following the death of her father, played a lone hand, making 21 in a lost cause.

“We were good with the ball but we have to improve our batting and fielding,” said Sana, reflecting on the eight catches that Pakistan put down. “We were not up to the mark. I think our seniors should step up in these kinds of matches.”

New Zealand were off to a steady start after electing to bat first, with Suzie Bates (28) and Georgia Plimmer (17) sharing 41 runs for the opening wicket.

But Pakistan struck soon after the powerplay, dismissing both openers and Kerr (nine) in quick succession.

Pakistan paid the price for their sloppy fielding with Sidra Amin dropping a sitter off Nida Dar when Sophie Devine was on 14.

Devine, though, failed to capitalise and was scooped up by Sana at long on off Sadia Iqbal for 19.

Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu was the most successful bowler, picking up 3-18, including the wicket of Brooke Halliday for 22.