DUBAI: Harmanpreet Kaur’s captain inning led the India Women’s Cricket Team to register a six-wicket victory against Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Chasing the target of 106, India eased past the mark in 18.5 overs with 6 wickets left. Indian bowlers showed dominance with the ball and restricted the Pakistan women’s team to a low target in the highly-anticipated match.
Earlier in the game, Pakistan’s skipper Fatima Sana after winning the toss decided to bat first which turned out to be a failed call as her side could only put 105/8 on the scorecard.
Nida Dar top-scored for Pakistan with 28 from 34 balls but there was little else to cheer. “We were not up to the mark in the batting. We were 10-15 runs short,” said Fatima.
All of the Indian bowlers contributed with Arundhati Reddy being the most successful as she removed Omaima Sohail (3) and Aliya Riaz (4) in the middle order before clean bowling Dar in the final over to finish with 3-19 from her four overs.
Set 106 to win after restricting Pakistan to 105-8 in their 20 overs, India were looking comfortable at 61-1. But two wickets in two balls by Pakistan captain Fatima Sana opened the door before Kaur took her side to the brink of victory.
India lost Mandhana for seven but Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues took them to 61 before the second wicket fell in the 12th over. Verma, their impressive 20-year-old opener, struck three fours in a 35-ball 32 before holing out to mid-on.
With India two runs short Kaur slipped and appeared to rick her neck, leaving the field unbeaten on 29 from 24 balls.
Sajeevan Sajana hit the winning runs from the next delivery as India closed on 108-4, winning with seven balls to spare.
“We have been very disciplined, and followed the plans,” said India’s Smriti Mandhana. “In the field, we were very good. Better start with the bat would have been good, but we will take that win.”
“I’ve worked a lot on my T20 bowling in all stages of the innings. I’m still working hard now. I kept it simple and attacked the stumps,” said Reddy who was named Player of the Match.
After losing their opening match to New Zealand, this was a much-needed win for India in Group A. They remain fourth in the group, with Pakistan just ahead of them on net run rate.
