Pakistan women’s cricket team succumbed to a seven-wicket defeat against India women in their opening match of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday evening.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan were bowled out for a modest 108 in 19.2 overs. Despite a promising 31-run partnership between Tuba Hassan and Fatima Sana towards the end of the innings, the team struggled to build substantial partnerships.
Sidra Amin was the top-scorer for Pakistan, making 25 runs off 35 balls. Tuba Hassan added a quick 22 off 19 balls, including three boundaries, while Fatima Sana provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 22 off just 16 deliveries, hitting two sixes and a four to help Pakistan cross the 100-run mark. However, the rest of the batting line-up failed to withstand the Indian bowling attack, contributing to the team’s sub-par total.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan captain Nida Dar celebrated a personal milestone, becoming the first women’s cricketer from her country to play 150 T20Is. She was presented with a commemorative signed team jersey by head coach Mohammad Wasim before the start of the game, marking the significant achievement.
India’s bowling unit delivered a clinical performance, with Deepti Sharma leading the charge by claiming three wickets for 20 runs. Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, and Shreyanka Patil supported her well, each taking two wickets. Renuka and Shreyanka were particularly economical, conceding just 14 runs each, while Pooja gave away 31 runs for her two scalps.
Chasing 109 for victory, India’s openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana laid a strong foundation with an 85-run partnership. Smriti Mandhana scored a brisk 45 off 31 balls before being dismissed by Syeda Aroob Shah. Aroob also took the wicket of Shafali Verma, who scored 40 runs, reducing India to 100-2.
Nashra Sundhu added another wicket, dismissing Dayalan Hemalatha for 14. However, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues ensured there were no further hiccups, completing the chase on the first ball of the 15th over.
Scores in brief:
- Pakistan: 108 all out, 19.2 overs (Sidra Amin 25, Tuba Hassan 22, Fatima Sana 22 not out; Deepti Sharma 3-20, Renuka Singh 2-14, Shreyanka Patil 2-14, Pooja Vastrakar 2-31)
- India: 109-3, 14.1 overs (Smriti Mandhana 45, Shafali Verma 40, Dayalan Hemalatha 14; Syeda Aroob Shah 2-9, Nashra Sundhu 1-20)
Player of the Match: Deepti Sharma (India Women)
Next Fixtures
Pakistan will aim to bounce back in their next match against Nepal on 21 July at the same venue in Dambulla.
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