New Zealand beat Pakistan thanks to memorable Suzie Bates century

Bates hit 126 from 135 balls as the tournament hosts 265 for 8 from their 50 overs, before Pakistan ended their reply on 194 for 9

Christchurch: New Zealand 265-8, Pakistan 194-9 - New Zealand won by 71 runs

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Suzie Bates became the first New Zealand woman to reach 5,000 ODI runs with a magnificent hundred as her side beat Pakistan at the World Cup.

Bates hit 126 from 135 balls as the tournament hosts racked up 265 for 8 from their 50 overs, before Pakistan ended their reply on 194 for 9.

The veteran opener has now scored tons in four World Cups, a feat unmatched elsewhere. 

^{Suzie Bates made a century against Pakistan (Sanka Vidanagama/AFP via Getty Images)}

She said: "I had no idea about the 5,000-run mark. I don't follow the stats and the focus was on setting up a good score," Bates told Sky Sports.

"But it is special and I'll probably reflect on it tonight, and I'm sure that there are some pretty big names in the 5000 club. It doesn't mean much at the moment but will a lot more with time.

"It's been a tough tournament for the team and myself. Every day you want to turn up and play your role for the team but it hasn't worked out at this tournament.

^{Nida Dar starred with bat and ball for Pakistan (Sanka Vidanagama/AFP via Getty Images)}

"So it's nice to score some runs after having talked internally and with friends about how special it is to play for New Zealand."

No one else managed more than 30 for New Zealand, as Pakistan's Nida Dar starred with the ball, returning figures of 3 for 39 in 10 overs.

In response, though, no Pakistan batter could get set. 

Nida was again the pick of the bunch, making 50 from 53 deliveries, but the chase never found any real rhythm.