Dubai: In a crucial ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match, India clinched a win against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, moving forward in the tournament after an initial loss to New Zealand. The Indian team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, executed a strategic victory, reaching a modest target of 106 runs with key performances from Shafali Verma and Kaur herself, despite her having to retire hurt towards the game’s end.
According to International Cricket Council, the match featured a disciplined bowling effort from India, particularly from Arundhati Reddy and Shreyanka Patil, who kept the Pakistani batters in check, allowing only 105 runs for eight wickets. Nida Dar was the top scorer for Pakistan, contributing 28 runs, but the overall batting effort fell short, setting India a manageable target.
India’s batting approach was cautious but effective. After losing Smriti Mandhana early, Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues built a solid foundation, with Verma scoring 32 runs before being dismissed. Rodrigues and Kaur continued the chase, maintaining the pace until unexpected drama occurred when Kaur was injured, forcing her to retire. The victory was sealed by newcomer Sajeevan Sajana, who hit a boundary on her first delivery, ending the match with seven balls to spare.
The first innings saw India taking early control after Pakistan opted to bat first. The Indian bowlers, particularly Deepti Sharma and Reddy, applied pressure from the start, disrupting Pakistan’s batting lineup. Despite some resistance from the middle order, Pakistan’s total did not pose a significant challenge.
This victory is pivotal for India as it rejuvenates their campaign in the T20 World Cup, positioning them for upcoming matches against Sri Lanka and Australia. Pakistan, having started the tournament with a win against Sri Lanka, now faces tough upcoming games against Australia and New Zealand. The role of Pakistani captain Fatima Sana, notable for her quick 13 runs and effective bowling, will be crucial as the team seeks to regain momentum.