Sana Mir being congratulated for playing her 100th ODI. Photo: Cricket World Cup official Twitter 

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand in Taunton on Saturday, as they search for their first victory in the ICC Women?s World Cup 2017.

The match holds historical significance for Pakistan skipper Sana Mir, who has become the first female cricketer from the country to play in 100 ODIs.

Although not mathematically eliminated, Pakistan?s chances of progressing are slim, but Sana Mir feels the team has learned a lot so far, and needs to build on that experience.

?What?s very important is that we are able to bat out the 50 overs like we did against Australia. We need the young girls who are playing in the future to get an opportunity to face the best bowlers in the world. This is a learning curve for the newcomers.

?I think we have started very well with the ball against all the big teams so we?re not afraid of them [New Zealand].

?I think with the kind of attitude and consistency we?re showing with our bowling, particularly early on, we can hurt New Zealand,? she said.

For New Zealand, a win today could be crucial to their chances of progression in the World Cup.

?This whole tournament we?ve understood that every game was going to be a big match, and having the rain-affected match has made that even more important,? said New Zealand captain Suzie Bates.

?Every game is almost a knock-out game so we have to bring our A game and play as well as we can against any opposition.?

Playing XI: