India launched their Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 title defense with a convincing seven-wicket victory against Pakistan at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka on Friday. The Indian bowlers were in complete control on the day, restricting Pakistan to a meager 108 runs. Both spinners and pacers contributed significantly, with Deepti Sharma emerging as the star performer, claiming three wickets, including the crucial scalp of Pakistan captain Nida Dar.
The Indian openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, made the chase look effortless, putting together a formidable 85-run partnership before Syeda Arooba Shah dismissed Mandhana in the 10th over.
Pakistan, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, received an early setback when opener Gull Feroza was caught at short mid-on by India captain Harmanpreet Kaur off a Pooja Vastrakar delivery. Two overs later, Vastrakar claimed her second wicket of the match, dismissing Muneeba Ali, who was caught by Jemimah Rodrigues at mid-off.
India’s spinners then took center stage, dismantling Pakistan’s top order. Radha Yadav and Shreyanka Patil were introduced after the powerplay and made an immediate impact. Shreyanka dismissed Aliya Riaz in the eighth over, while Deepti Sharma, who was later named ‘Player of the Match’, removed captain Nida Dar, followed by Tuba Hassan (22, 19b) and Nashra Sandhu, who was bowled out for a golden duck.
Although there were glimpses of resistance from Sidra Ameen and Tuba Hassan, Pakistan’s batting order faltered under pressure. Fatima Sana managed to add some runs towards the end, including two sixes in the penultimate over, to push Pakistan past the 100-run mark. However, it was Shreyanka who wrapped up the innings, bowling out Sadia Iqbal.
The Indian batting lineup effortlessly chased down the target, with Smriti Mandhana (45, 31b) and Shafali Verma (40, 29b) setting the tone for a comfortable victory. Syeda Arooba Shah, who dismissed Mandhana and Verma, was the standout performer for Pakistan.
India will face UAE on Sunday, while Pakistan takes on Nepal in their next fixture.
