Pakistan women hashtagged as #GirlsInGreen, did a commendable job restricting India women to below hundred in their tense contest in the Women’s World Twenty20 Group B encounter at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground on Saturday.
Pakistan needed 97 runs to beat India, who have won five of the previous six T20I matches against them. High Drama witnessed at the Kotla, just when India were looking like they were getting a foot hold in the match, Pakistan was given a lifeline from the heavens.
In over 16, 3 were off the over and two quick wickets. India are suddenly in with a chance now. And the players were off as suddenly a heavy downpour began. As at 77/6, Pakistan were now 2 runs ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis par score of 75
After sent into bat by Pakistan captain Sana Mir, India made a disastrous start losing two early wickets for just five runs on the board. Later, India captain Mithali Raj, who opened the innings was also dismissed for 16 when the score reached 34.
However, wickets were falling at regular intervals and the whole team could make 96 runs for seven wickets against Pakistan’s accurate bowling display. Veda Krishnamurthi top scored with 24 while Hermanpreet Kaur made 16 and Jhulan Goswami scored 14. Shikha Pandey remained not out on 10.
After 6 overs, Pakistan 35/1: India began to lose their grip on the game. Shikha’s 2nd over was a disaster, with 11 runs off it including two fours (one of a misfield). Would have been so different had India made use of a golden runout opportunity of the very first ball. Then Jhulan concedes 8 as Pakistan make 39/1 after 6 overs – India were 7/2 in contrast!
After 12 overs, Pakistan Women 66/3: Despite double-strike, Pakistan are still in control with regular boundaries. 16 runs from last 2 overs after the double strike. Three boundaries in those two overs. Getting closer to the target here are the Pakistan women. 31 from 48 balls required
