December 6, 2023
ISLAMABAD – The cricket fraternity and politicians on Tuesday praised the Pakistan women’s side for its historic victory over New Zealand.
The Pakistan women’s cricket team completed a series win over New Zealand after it defeated the Kiwis in a second T20 International game in a three-match series in Dunedin.
The Green Team also won the first game of the series — registering their maiden win over New Zealand — by seven wickets on Sunday. Pakistan now hold an unassailable lead of 2-0.
Pakistan Cricket Board chief Zaka Ashraf congratulated the team on today’s “remarkable achievement”.
“Pakistan women’s team have made the whole nation proud with their brilliant display of skill and talent in New Zealand. I want to congratulate and laud the efforts of the entire squad, team management and support personnel for their collective effort in making the team achieve this special feat,” he said in a statement.
He also announced that a special ceremony would be hosted to felicitate the team upon their return from the New Zealand tour later this month.
PCB chief selector Wahab Riaz lauded the players for their “remarkable contributions reflecting the skills and dedication of the unit”.
Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez said the win was a “proud moment” for the country.
Test Skipper Shan Masood congratulated the team in a post on social media platform X, adding that he hoped the women’s team reached greater heights.
Sana Mir and Urooj Mumtaz, former captains of the women’s team, both agreed the development was a “brilliant” one.
Top-order batter Babar Azam called the victory “historic”.
Screengrab taken from Babar Azam’s Instagram account.
The men’s outfit also gave a shoutout to the women’s side from Australia.
Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said defeating the Kiwis in their home ground was “not a small feat”.
Similar words of praise and well wishes followed from others in the country’s sporting community.
“Wow, what a victory,” remarked former Australia captain Lisa Sthalekar.
Politicians chimed in as well as former premier Shehbaz Sharif applauded the team for their “remarkable performance” and complimented Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana for their “incredible displays”.
PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz called the performance “sensational”.
“Kudos to captain Nida’s leadership and standout performances from Aliya and Fatima,” she said.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari extended his “heartiest congratulations” for the “impressive win”.
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