Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer of New Zealand cross during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the UAE. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
White Ferns captain Sophie Devine believes their "kiwi" approach to the T20 World Cup has helped them to the brink of qualification for the semi-finals.
A win for New Zealand over Pakistan in their final group game in Dubai on Tuesday morning will guarantee them a place in a World Cup semi-final for the first time since 2016.
"We stay pretty placid, pretty calm and that has been the message to the group," Devine said on the eve of the game.
"We don't want to ride the highs and lows of cricket because if you do that it is going to be an emotional roller-coaster and you're going to exhaust yourself.
"Living on the emotions day-to-day can be draining, so we've spoken a lot about being calm and level. For me as a leader, I just let the girls do what they want - they're a great bunch."
The White Ferns upset India in their opening game before a comprehensive loss to defending champions Australia.
However the eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka at the weekend got them back on track, leaving their destiny in their own hands.
We're really pleased with the position we're in, [especially] if you'd asked us at the start of the tournament that we would have our fate in our own hands.
"We're fortunate that we know the position that we're in when we play the game."
Melie Kerr and Lea Tahuhu celebrate during the White Ferns' T20 World Cup triumph in the UAE. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
A big win for Pakistan over the White Ferns can put them into the semi-finals. Pakistan need to win by 53 or more runs (after scoring at least 150).
"Obviously, we know that the pool is still open," said Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali. "We have a chance to win this match and if we win by a good margin, we have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals. So, this is our motivation. We are all hopeful to win tomorrow's match and to win by a good margin."
Captain Fatima Sana has returned to the tournament after a family bereavement and will play against New Zealand.
"She brings a lot of things to the table. She is our captain. It will be a good combination with them, as it always is," said Muneeba.
Pakistan have never reached the semi-finals of a women's World Cup. However they did beat New Zealand 2-1 in a T20 series in New Zealand in December 2023.
