Women’s Asia Cup 2024: All-round India thrash Pakistan to start title defence

India started their Women’s Asia Cup defence in fine style as they hammered Pakistan by 7 wickets in Dambulla on Friday, July 19.

Deepti Sharma picked up 3 wickets while Shreyanka Patil got 2 as the much changed Pakistan team were bundled out for 108 runs in their innings. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana’s 85-run stand off 57 balls set the tone for the win on Friday.

Pakistan had won the toss and made the decision to bat first on the day. The decision quickly seemed to be a poor one as Pakistan struggled to get going in the early goings of the match as Pooja Vastrakar struck twice in as many overs to dismiss both the openers with just 26 runs on the board from 4 overs.

Sidra Ameen would show her resilience with the bat, but Aliya Riaz and captain Nida Dar failed to make any impact with the bat as Pakistan found themselves struggling. Renuka would return to dismiss Ameen and Javed off consecutive deliveries as Pakistan were reduced to 61 for 6 in 13 overs.

Tuba Hassan and Fatima Sana would steady the ship with a partnership of 31 runs but Deepti Sharma’s golden arm would change things in the 18th over. The spinner picked up 2 wickets and a run out was also inflicted in the over as Pakistan were reduced to 94 for 9.

Sana ensured they got past the 100-run mark but Shreyanka would finish off the innings in the second ball of the final over as Pakistan were bundled out for 108 runs.

The chase started with India showing their full authority with Shafali and Smriti putting the bowlers to the sword. They were cautious at the beginning, but then quickly changed their gears as the duo decided to make the most of the powerplay overs.

The duo ensured boundaries kept on coming as they took apart Tuba Hassan for 15 runs in the last over of powerplay as India posted 57 runs in the powerplay. After a slow over, Smriti would explode into life with 5 boundaries off Tuba’s second over as 21 runs came in it.

Smriti’s attempt to finish the game quickly would lead to her demise in the end as she was dismissed for 45 runs off 31 balls and missed out a well-deserved half-century. Hemalatha came in and after a bit of struggle hit 3 boundaries to get things back in order for India. Shafali would also get dismissed and Hemalatha would also follow her soon, but Harmanpreet and Jemimah ensured the game was finished with 35 balls to spare.

India lay down the marker courtesy of bowling

India had started the tournament as favourites especially after their performance in the South Africa series. While the batting prowess of the Indian stars are well-known, it was the bowling that has been impressing everyone in recent time.

Vastrakar has started to become more consistent and be a frontline bowler for the team. Radha Yadav may have gone wicketless today, but she once again showed control with the ball. Deepti was once again consistent and Shreyanka continues to impress everyone with her bowling.

If India is to retain their crown, bowling will need to continue to maintain their consistency as the batters will be expected to do their work.

India will next play UAE on July 21, Sunday.