Women's T20 Asia Cup, Match 13 Review: India eves thump Pakistan

The India eves completed yet another impressive victory today over Pakistan in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup. Bowling first, it was off-spinner Ekta Bisht who impressed the most as she not onyl picked up three wickets to her name, but also bowled rather economically conceding just the fourteen runs in her quota of ten overs. Chasing a paltry score of 73, Smriti Mandhana was in her element as she cracked the ball to all parts of the Kinrara Oval in Kuala Lumpur.

Having won the toss, Pakistan skipper Sana Mir opted to bat first in spite of a few cracks being present on the surface of the wicket. However, despite this, there was a widespread feeling that Pakistan should not have batted first. Apart from Nahida Khan, wickets began tumbling at regular intrvals. So much so that evey bowler barring the irresistible Jhulan Goswami picked wickets.

Anticipating that the wicket would offer a hint of turn as well, it was clear that Harmanpreet Kaur would have to bring on the spinners as well. This bowling chane came in the form of Ekta Bisht as she ensured that things remained tight at her end whilst the women were expected to score runs. Sana Mir was the lone survivor of the Pakistan innings courtesy of her innings of 20 as she remained unbeaten in her quest.

Chasing 73 was going to be the least of the problems as far as Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana were concerned. While the later went blazing through her innings in a hurry to chase down the score, Raj was dismissed in the final ball of Amin’s over. Amin even went ahead and dismissed Deepthi Sharma and for a while, the Indians seemed as though they were looking down the barrel of defeat. However, it was Harmanpreet Kaur and Mandhana who stitched a partnership, eventually ensuring safety.

Mandhana was particualry severe on the Pakistan bowlers as she blazed her way to 38 before losing her wicket at the close of the innings. Ekta Bisht’s 3/14 ensured that she was adjudjed the player of the match.

Brief Scores:

Pakistan Women: 72/7 in 20 overs (Sana Mir 20*; Ekta Bisht 3/14)

India Women: 75/3 in 16.1 overs (Smriti Mandhana 38; Anam Amin 2/10)

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