Women’s T20 World Cup: IND vs PAK Review – India’s campaign back on track after beating Pakistan
India secured a six-wicket win over Pakistan in their Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Opting to bat first, Pakistan struggled to build momentum, managing just 105/8 in their 20 overs. Arundhati Reddy was the star with the ball, claiming 3/19 and leading an impressive Indian bowling effort. Pakistan’s Nida Dar top-scored with a gritty 28, but regular wickets hindered their progress. Shreyanka Patil and Renuka Singh also contributed with crucial wickets to keep Pakistan in check.
In response, India faced a few nervy moments during their chase. After Smriti Mandhana’s early dismissal for 7, Shafali Verma (32) and Jemimah Rodrigues (23) steadied the innings, but Pakistan’s Fatima Sana struck twice in one over to keep the match in the balance. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led the recovery with a composed 29, before retiring hurt due to a neck injury. Despite the late drama, India chased down the target with seven balls to spare, thanks to Sajeevan Sajana’s winning boundary.
Top Performers of the match:
1. Arundhati Reddy was instrumental in restricting Pakistan’s total with figures of 3/19. Her early strikes dismantled Pakistan’s middle order, putting India in a commanding position from the start.
2. With 32 runs off 35 balls, Shafali Verma held India’s chase together. Despite some struggles in timing, her partnership with Jemimah was crucial in stabilizing the innings after an early loss of Smriti Mandhana.
3. Nida Dar’s gritty 28 off 34 balls helped Pakistan reach a respectable score after early collapses. Her experience showed in anchoring the innings, though it wasn’t enough to secure a win for her side
