Strong shows by former skipper Sana Mir and current captain Bismah Maroof led Pakistan to a convincing maiden victory against New Zealand women in the third ODI of ICC Women's Championship in Sharjah on Sunday.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first but early wickets meant the visitors were all out for 155 in the 44th over. Mir took four wickets, giving away only 25 runs while Sadia Yousuf managed 2-23 in her quota of ten overs.
Sam Curtis was New Zealand's highest scorer with 50 runs to her credit.
New Zealand bowlers did not give much trouble to guarded Pakistan batters who achieved the target in the 49th over.
Newly-appointed captain Bismah Maroof — the highest scorer of the innings — was on the crease at 36 with Mir who hit the winning runs for Pakistan.
The victory — first ever for Pakistan against New Zealand in ODIs — was a welcome win for the team which saw long-standing captain Mir being sacked after a win-less World Cup run earlier this year.
"Cannot thank Allah enough for this victory we have achieved. Proud of team Pakistan. We will keep marching ahead," Maroof tweeted after the five-wicket win.