QUEENSTOWN: Shawaal Zulfiqar has been ruled out of competitive cricket for six weeks after suffering a right shoulder injury while fielding during the second T20I against New Zealand women at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin on Tuesday, 5 December.

Following the injury, she was taken to the hospital and underwent X-rays on her injured shoulder, revealing an AC joint sprain. Later, the Ultrasound results indicated no signs of muscular tear.

The decision on Shawaal’s departure will be made in due course. Until then, the team physiotherapist will continue to monitor her condition.

Pakistan defeated the New Zealand women’s team by seven wickets and 10 runs in the first two matches of the T20I series in Dunedin to take an unassailable lead.

However, the White Ferns defeated Pakistan by six runs on DLS in the third T20I to secure a consolation win in a three-match series.

After being put into bat, Pakistan managed to score 137 for five in 20 overs, on the back of a 38-ball 43 from Sidra Amin, playing her first match of the series.

Sidra struck four boundaries and knitted a 64-run opening wicket partnership with Muneeba Ali (27, 31b, 2x4s).

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Captain Nida Dar, playing her 141st T20I and thus becoming the most capped player for Pakistan in women’s T20Is, scored 25 off 20 balls, including two fours and a six.

Fatima Sana’s unbeaten 17 off 13 balls, with two boundaries, helped the tourists put a respectable score on the board.

For the White Ferns, Amelia Kerr, who was captaining the side in the absence of Sophie Devine due to injury, took three wickets for 11 runs, while Eden Carson bagged two wickets for 20 runs.

In turn, the hosts were 101 for two in 15 overs when rain stopped play, and play couldn’t resume due to continuous rain, resulting in the White Ferns winning the match on DLS by six runs.

Player of the match Suzie Bates was the top-scorer for the winning side, returning undefeated on 51 off 42 balls, laced with five fours.

Kerr was another notable contributor with the bat, scoring a 31-ball 35, hitting three fours and a six.

Right-arm fast Fatima Sana for her six wickets in the series was named player of the series.

Both sides will now compete in three ODIs, part of the ICC Women’s Championship, commencing on 12 December.

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