India 109 for 3 (Mandhana 45, Shafali, Syeda 2-9) beat Pakistan 108 (Sidra 25, Deepti 3-20, Renuka 2-14, Shreyanka 2-14, Vastrakar 2-31) by seven wickets
India continued their dominance over Pakistan at the Women’s Asia Cup with a convincing seven-wicket victory in their first match in Dambulla. The match saw a strong bowling performance from the defending champions, as they bowled out Pakistan for 108. The opening partnership of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana then ensured India comfortably chased down the target in just 14.1 overs.
Vastrakar’s impressive short-ball display
With Renuka Singh back in the XI after missing the last two T20Is against South Africa, India utilized pace bowling in the powerplay. Pooja Vastrakar’s short-ball tactics proved effective, taking crucial wickets early on. She removed Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali with well-executed short deliveries, putting Pakistan on the back foot.
Shafali and Mandhana’s explosive start
In contrast to Pakistan’s innings, India’s openers Shafali and Mandhana started off aggressively, scoring 57 runs in the powerplay. Both players adapted quickly to the pitch conditions and punished Pakistan’s bowlers for inconsistencies in line and length.
Pakistan struggled to contain the Indian openers, with Shafali playing attacking strokes and Mandhana showcasing elegant cover drives. Although Mandhana fell short of a half-century, her partnership with Shafali set India on course for victory.
Pakistan’s collapse and Deepti’s excellent bowling
After ten overs, Pakistan found themselves in trouble at 53 for 3, with no significant partnership formed. Deepti Sharma’s crucial wickets further dented Pakistan’s hopes, as she dismissed key batters to put India in control. Deepti’s exceptional bowling performance earned her the Player of the Match award.
