New Delhi, 20 Jul 2024: In a thrilling match, India defeated Pakistan by nine wickets in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024. The match was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. India, who won the toss, elected to field first and restricted Pakistan to 105/7 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, India chased down the target with ease, scoring 106/1 in just 13.4 overs.
Pakistan struggles to set a competitive total
Pakistan got off to a cautious start, with openers Javeria Khan and Muneeba Ali scoring just 24 runs in the first five overs. Javeria was the first to go, dismissed by pacer Shikha Pandey for 9 runs. Muneeba and Omaima Sohail then tried to steady the innings, but they failed to accelerate the scoring rate. Muneeba scored 32 runs off 38 balls, while Omaima scored 28 runs off 31 balls. Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals, and their middle-order failed to capitalize on the good start. They finished their innings on 105/7 in 20 overs.
India’s top-order batswomen shine
Chasing a modest target, India got off to a flying start, with openers Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues scoring 59 runs in the first six overs. Smriti was the aggressor, scoring 46 runs off 30 balls, while Jemimah played the anchor role, scoring 34 runs off 33 balls. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain India’s top-order, and they failed to break the partnership. Smriti and Jemimah shared a 92-run partnership before Jemimah was dismissed by Sadia Iqbal. India lost just one wicket in their chase, and they reached the target with 38 balls to spare.
India’s bowlers impress with disciplined bowling
India’s bowlers put up a disciplined performance, and they did not allow Pakistan’s batters to score freely. Pacer Shikha Pandey was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/24 in her four overs. She was well supported by spinners Deepti Sharma and Poonam Yadav, who picked up two wickets each. India’s fielding was also top-notch, with Jemimah Rodrigues taking two stunning catches at cover.
India’s captain elated with the team’s performance
India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur was elated with the team’s performance and credited the win to the bowlers and fielders. “It was a complete team effort, and I am proud of the way the girls played today. Our bowlers were excellent, and they did not allow Pakistan to score freely. Our fielding was also top-notch, and Jemimah’s catches were outstanding. Smriti and Jemimah batted beautifully, and they set the tone for the chase. Overall, it was a dominating performance, and I am happy that we won the title,” she said.
With this win, India clinched their seventh Women’s Asia Cup T20 title. They had previously won the tournament in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, and 2016. Smriti Mandhana, who scored 234 runs in the tournament, was named the player of the series.
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