LONDON: India defeated Pakistan by 64 runs in a one-sided contest in the sixth match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, successfully defending a target of 171 runs.
After winning the toss, India chose to bat first and posted a competitive total of 170/6 in 20 overs. Opener Smriti Mandhana led the innings with a brilliant 68 runs off 44 balls, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 36 off 35 balls. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh provided a late boost with a quick-fire 34 off 17 deliveries.
For Pakistan, captain Fatima Sana and spinner Sadia Iqbal claimed two wickets each, while Rameen Shamim picked up one wicket.
In reply, Pakistan’s batting line-up failed to cope with India’s disciplined bowling attack and was bowled out for 106 runs in 17 overs. Muneeba Ali was the top scorer with 41 runs off 35 balls, while Aliya Riaz scored 18 and Ayesha Zafar added 12 runs.
India’s bowling was spearheaded by Deepti Sharma, who produced a match-winning spell of 5 wickets for 10 runs in 4 overs. Shree Charani took 3 wickets for 21 runs, while Shafali Verma chipped in with one wicket.
The comprehensive victory earned India crucial points in the tournament, while Pakistan will need a strong comeback in their upcoming fixtures to keep their World Cup campaign on track.
