Image Credit ICC
India defeat Pakistan by six wickets, secures first win of the tournament
India 108-4 (Shafali 32) beat Pakistan 105-8 (Arundathi 3-19) by six wickets
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India clinched their first victory at the Women’s T20 World Cup with a convincing six-wicket win against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
The Indian bowlers led the charge, restricting Pakistan to a modest total of 105/8 in their 20 overs. Despite the bowlers’ stellar performance, India’s batting response lacked the aggression needed to significantly boost their net run rate, which could prove crucial as the tournament progresses.
Bowlers Shine as India Restricts Pakistan to 105/8
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan struggled against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Arundhati Reddy was the standout performer, taking three wickets while conceding just 19 runs in her full quota of overs. Shreyanka Patil provided support with two wickets, while Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, and Asha Sobhana chipped in with a wicket each. Pakistan’s batters never found their rhythm, losing wickets at regular intervals and failing to build any substantial partnerships.
Renuka set the tone for India by dismissing Gull Feroza for a duck in the very first over. Deepti then removed Sidra Amin, leaving Pakistan at 29/2 at the end of the powerplay. Arundhati and Shreyanka soon joined the wicket-taking spree, reducing Pakistan to 41/4 by the halfway mark. Arundhati struck again in the 13th over, and the wickets continued to tumble as Pakistan’s score stagnated at 72/7 by the 15th over.
India’s Batting Struggles Despite Easy Target
Chasing 106, India reached the target in 18.5 overs but not without some concerns. Opener Smriti Mandhana fell early for 7 off 16 balls, bowled by Sadia Iqbal. Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues steadied the innings with a 43-run stand for the second wicket, but Shafali’s dismissal for 32 and Jemimah’s departure for 23 put India on the back foot. Fatima Sana added to the pressure by taking two quick wickets, including Richa Ghosh’s golden duck.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a crucial knock of 29 off 24 balls but had to retire hurt in the 19th over after an awkward fall while attempting to avoid a stumping. Despite the setbacks, India managed to cross the finish line with six wickets in hand, securing their first points in the tournament.
Tough Road Ahead for India in Group Stage
India’s victory comes after a disappointing 58-run loss to New Zealand in their opening match. The team will need to maintain their winning momentum in the upcoming matches to secure a place in the knockout stages. Pakistan, who entered this match on a high after defeating reigning Asian champions Sri Lanka by 31 runs, will be looking to bounce back in their next encounter.
