India kept their Women’s T20 World Cup hopes alive with a six-wicket win over rivals Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday.
India were in a must-win situation against Pakistan after losing to New Zealand just two days ago.
Pakistan won the toss and batted first but could only score 105 runs after some incredible bowling from India, with Arundhati Reddy and Shreyanka Patil taking five wickets.
India were thought to be keen to improve their net run rate, which had fallen to -2.9 after the loss to New Zealand, but were cautious in their run chase.
Shafali Verma survived the initial dismissal after the fifth ball of the chase, but the ball did not hit the wicket, leading to a review.
It proved to be a crucial moment as Verma put India out of action, scoring 32 runs before Aliya Riaz took a fine catch.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur appeared injured towards the end of the match.
India then made steady progress and got over the line, but captain Harmanpreet Kaur limped off with an injury after slipping at the last minute, which will be a worry ahead of the next match against Sri Lanka.
India and Pakistan sit on two points in Group A alongside New Zealand and Australia, but the Oceania sides face each other on Tuesday after playing one less game.
“As a unit, we were very disciplined and followed the plan,” said Smriti Mandhana.
“We thought about net run rate but we didn’t want to end up losing wickets and chasing big scores. But definitely net run rate is in our head.”
Group A standings after India beat Pakistan in Women’s T20 World Cup
India beat rivals but have concerns over captaincy
Pakistan, dominated by fast bowler Arundhati Reddy (3-19) and off-spinner Shreyanka Patil (2-12), posted a modest 105-8 on a slow wicket at the Dubai International Stadium, with veteran Nida Dar scoring 28 off. Highest score achieved. 34 balls.
India were 108-4 after 18.5 overs when captain Kaur calmly made 29 off 24 balls before suffering an injury late in the chase.
With just two needed for victory, Kaur lost her balance briefly but regained her footing when wicketkeeper Muneeba Ali missed an embarrassing opportunity.
India will be concerned about the health status of their captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Kaur went back to the dugout clutching the back of her neck before Sajeevan Sajana reached the target for a boundary.
Despite the win, India still sit fourth in the group with a low net run-rate of -1.217 compared to third-place Pakistan, who beat Sri Lanka in the opening match and have a net run-rate of 0.555.
India outclassed Pakistan 7-71 in the 15th over despite Asha Sobhana dropping two easy catches to Muneva Ali (17) and captain Fatima Sana (13). Muneeba’s laborious hammering of 26 balls finally ended when he was tripped by a wide ball from Patil.
Sana smashed two boundaries but was brilliantly broken by wicketkeeper Richa Gosh. He took a one-handed catch over his head behind the wicket to provide some consolation to leg-spinner Sobhana (1-24), who had erred early in the field.
India displayed brilliant defense and this was the key to their victory.
Dar kept the innings together in the death overs with a 28-run partnership with Syeda Aroob Shah, who scored 14 before Reddy clean bowled Dar in the final over.
India’s batting powerhouse was overly cautious against Pakistan’s spin-heavy bowling attack in the chase. Shafali Verma, who top-scored with 32 off 35 balls, successfully overturned the lbw decision against her through a telecom recommendation early in her knock, but India’s top batsmen hit just five boundaries in the entire run chase.
Sana (2-23) picked up two late wickets in successive balls when Jemimah Rodrigues (23) and Gosh were both caught behind. Sana almost caught Deepti Sharma lbw in the over, but the on-field decision was overturned by the third umpire after TV replays suggested the batsman had a thick inside edge.
India’s net run rate leaves them fourth in Group A after two matches.
What’s next for each team in the Women’s T20 World Cup?
India next face sri lanka Another big match between the two sides will take place in the Women’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday at 3pm.
As for PakistanThey play against the defending champions on Friday australia At 3pm on Friday, all matches of the tournament will be broadcast live. sky sports cricket.
Watch all matches of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Sky Sports live broadcastIt concludes with the final in Dubai on Sunday 20 October. You can also stream tournaments and more through NOW.
