Bates dropped on 20published at 6 overs

6 overs

NZ 39-0

Suzie Bates gets another chance. She is not a player you want to grant a second life, let alone a third.

She whips the ball straight to Nashra Sandhu at mid-wicket, the fielder barely has to move but somehow it slips through her hands.

Poor from Pakistan. That has gifted New Zealand the upper hand at the end of the powerplay.

Firdose Moonda
Cricinfo writer on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

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New Zealand are going at almost seven runs per over and I think they will be looking for something around the 140-run mark. They are chasing a spot in the semi-finals, so they will want to get themselves as far ahead as possible.

Bates dropped on 14published at 5 overs

5 overs

NZ 34-0

Oh!

Suzie Bates tries to reverse-sweep Nida Dar, but tickles it straight into the gloves of Muneeba Ali behind the stumps - and then it pops out again. It came very quickly and Bates' bat would have been obstructing Muneeba's vision, so it's a very tough chance but a crucial one nevertheless.

Bates then rubs salt into the wound by launching a full toss over mid-wicket for four.

Ouch.

Daniel Norcross
Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Nashra Sandhu is giggling.

It was one of those where both fielders were pretty equidistant and you can't really call for those very easily.

Thankfully, both fielders are deemed OK to carry on as Nashra Sandhu gets some treatment for a knock to the shoulder.

Sadia Iqbal closes out the over with a dot ball.

Daniel Norcross
Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

It was almost a run out. Suzie Bates is apologising because she realises it was a perilously short run.

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More nifty footwork from Georgia Plimmer, lofting the ball over mid-off for four as the runs continue to flow.

She's then almost run out from scampering a quick single, but a full-length dive saves her.

A collision in the field from two Pakistan fielders causes a little delay.

Daniel Norcross
Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

It's been a very productive over for New Zealand. They have started to motor here.

Both Bates and Plimmer seem to have overcome those early jitters and are now looking to be positive.

Plimmer uses her feet to work a couple into the leg-side, before Bates gets a loose delivery on her pads that she can easily flick away for another boundary.

An expensive over from the Pakistan captain, with 13 coming from it.

That's more like it!

Plimmer thumps the first ball of the over down the ground for four but it really should've been stopped, with both fielders at mid-on and mid-off diving over it.

Tash Farrant
England bowler on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Pakistan have nothing to lose today and they will be super happy to have their skipper Fatima Sana back. She has been brilliant in this tournament so far.

Just three singles from Sadia Iqbal's first over of spin, with New Zealand's openers looking a little nervous at the moment. Neither batter has looked particularly assured and Georgia Plimmer's fast starts have been crucial to their success throughout the tournament so far.

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An eventful first over concludes with a couple of dots to settle everybody's nerves!

Suzie Bates' bat brushes her pad, which must've been the noise that Fatima Sana heard. Pakistan lose a review.

Lovely shot from Bates to get herself and New Zealand off the mark, drilling a fuller delivery down the ground for four.

Bates is then beaten by an absolute beauty from the Pakistan skipper, who gives a very enthusiastic appeal. The umpire is unmoved, but she is convinced of an edge so calls for a review.

Daniel Norcross
Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Image source, Getty Images

One thing that was noticeable during the anthems was the emotion of Fatima Sana.

It's extraordinary. Her father died only a few days ago and she has turned up to play within days. You could see the emotions on her face in the first game she would have played without him.

Tash Farrant
England bowler on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

New Zealand had a very tough couple of years heading into this tournament. Fair play to them, they've kept their faith and the way they've backed their players is brilliant.

It's been paramount to their success. They now need to play under the greatest pressure.

Fatima Sana is straight into the action, and starts her spell with a dot ball to the vastly experienced Suzie Bates.

Fatima Sana understandably looks very emotional during the Pakistan anthem but her team rallies around her for their pre-match huddle.

Suzie Bates and the in-form Georgia Plimmer make their way to the middle for New Zealand with a semi-final spot at stake.

Tash Farrant
England bowler on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Image source, Getty Images

We are getting to the business end of the tournament and it is plain and simple for both these teams. New Zealand are obviously the favourites, but Pakistan have had some recent success in T20 against them, which will give them some confidence.

We are expecting this to be a good wicket with a fast outfield, so we will see some high scores hopefully and a fun run chase.