The Indian women’s cricket team delivered a commanding performance to kick off their Asia Cup 2024 campaign, securing a decisive victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian squad showcased exceptional skill to humble Nida Dar’s Pakistan side, sealing a seven-wicket win while chasing a modest target of 109 runs on Friday, July 19.
The chase was effectively set up by an impressive 85-run opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. Their cohesive performance brought the team within touching distance of victory before Mandhana, aiming for 45, was caught brilliantly at mid-wicket. Dayalan Hemalatha then joined Shafali Verma on the field but not without witnessing a few setbacks for the Women in Blue. The resolve of the Indian team was, however, unwavering as Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues played responsibly to guide India to victory in 14.1 overs.
Initially, it appeared that the Indian team was on track to secure a win without losing any wickets, given the sheer prowess displayed by the openers. Mandhana and Shafali Verma launched an aggressive start, propelling India to 57/0 within the first six overs. The chase seemed destined to be wrapped up within 10 to 12 overs when Mandhana hammered 21 runs off the 8th over bowled by Tuba Hassan, striking five exquisite boundaries. However, Pakistan’s leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah managed to delay the impending defeat by scalping the crucial wicket of Mandhana before dismissing Hemalatha for 14 in her next over. Amidst these challenges, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur exhibited remarkable composure to ensure no further disruptions occurred before reaching the target.
Credit for the setup of this victory goes primarily to the Indian bowlers whose stellar performance choked the Pakistani batting lineup. All-rounder Deepti Sharma was instrumental with three crucial wickets to her name. She was ably supported by bowlers Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, and Shreyanka Patil, each claiming two wickets apiece.
. Among the Pakistani batters, Sidra Ameen, Tuba Hassan, and Fatima Sana managed to surpass the 20-run mark, with Ameen being the highest scorer, albeit her 25 runs came off 35 balls.
The Indian bowlers adopted a disciplined approach from the onset, restricting Pakistan’s batters with calculated deliveries and sharp field placements. Deepti Sharma’s spell was particularly devastating; she varied lengths effectively to keep the Pakistan batters in constant uncertainty. Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar too backed this pressure, executing excellent stump-to-stump bowling. Shreyanka Patil, the young pace sensation, made her mark with crucial breakthroughs, fortifying India’s dominant stance in the game.
Pakistan had opted to bat first after winning the toss and soon found themselves struggling against India’s tight bowling strategy. Other than Ameen, Hassan, and Sana’s contributions, the scoreboard didn’t reflect any significant resistance from the Pakistani lineup, leading to a modest total for India to chase.
India’s confident start in the Asia Cup 2024 brings them one step closer to defending their title with vigor. This win sets a positive tone for their upcoming matches. The team will next face UAE on July 21, followed by an anticipated clash with Nepal on July 23. Each match counts in establishing their place at the pinnacle of the leaderboard, and the Indian side is demonstrating the resolve and skill necessary to retain their title.
The Indian women’s cricket team, known for their strategic acumen and formidable on-field execution, displayed precisely why they are considered among the top contenders in world cricket. The seamless integration of experienced stalwarts and emerging talent continues to drive their successful campaigns.
As the Asia Cup progresses, all eyes will remain fixed on how Harmanpreet Kaur and her side manage to navigate through the tournament’s challenges, maintaining their high standards of performance. This victory over Pakistan is just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling campaign for the Women in Blue.
