KARACHI, (DNA) : A brilliant bowling performance by Sadia Yousuf, followed by collective batting effort, helped Pakistan women team start off the New Zealand tour with 6 wickets win over Canterbury Magicians.

In the warm-up match played at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln, the hosts Canterbury Magicians were bowled out for 192 after Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. Sadia Yousaf grabbed five wickets for 45 runs. Sana Mir claimed two wickets for 21 runs.

Chasing a target of 193, Pakistan were provided a decent opening start of 50 runs by Nahida Khan and Ayesha Zafar.

Nahida Khan scored 35 off 45, while Ayesha Zafar smashed four boundaries for her 68-ball-39.

Javeria Khan and Bismah Maroof batted responsibly in the middle to keep Pakistan sailing smooth. Javeria was five runs short of her half century but a slight niggle stopped her from continuing the innings and she had to retire at 45.

But Bismah continued to frustrate the bowlers and scored an unbeaten 33 to help Pakistan reach the target in 43.4 overs.

The first of five-match ODI series between the women teams of Pakistan and New Zealand will be played on November 9 in Lincoln.

Since the establishment of Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Women’s Wing in 2005, the game of cricket among women has improved in leaps and bounds and as a result of PCB’s full and all-out support for the establishment and promotion of women’s cricket, Pakistan women’s team has made great progress at the international level.

Pakistan Cricket Board has been looking after the welfare of women cricketers since its establishment by providing them with all facilities.

PCB has extended its full support toward the development of women’s cricket in Pakistan. During the last nine years, the standards have improived and now the game is recognised at par with men’s level.