India Overcome Insect Plague to Sail to Chilly Win Over Pakistani Rivals in Women’s Cricket World Cup
Pace bowler Kranti Goud and spin specialist Sharma claimed three wickets each as India defeated their opponents by a substantial margin in their World Cup encounter, which began like recent ones between the countries men’s teams without a handshake from the captains and later included a controversial run-out of a Pakistan opener.
The Indian captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, did not shake hands with Sana during the coin toss and the squads walked off without post-match pleasantries after the contest amidst diplomatic strains between the two south Asian neighbours.
The captains at the men’s Asia Cup in the UAE similarly avoided handshakes at matches between India and Pakistan. India has accused their neighbor of being involved in attacks on tourists that killed dozens.
Match Summary
Losing the toss, they were dismissed for 247 runs in their allotted overs. Their openers, Pratika Rawal and star player Mandhana, shared 48 for the opening stand before Sana had her lbw for a 32-ball 23. Rawal made 31 before being bowled by spinner Iqbal. Kaur scored 19 before edging behind off Diana Baig.
Deol top-scored for India with 46 and Ghosh made a rapid 35 not out to lift their side to a respectable score.
Jemimah Rodrigues (32), Deepti (25) and Sneh Rana (20) all made valuable contributions, while Baig took four for 69 for the opposition and the duo had two wickets apiece. Play was stopped for 15 minutes because insects were bothering the players.
Pakistan Batting
The Pakistani team were dismissed for 159 runs in 43 overs. Sole fifty of the game in the venue came from Sidra Amin, who made 81 runs.
Pakistan’s first wicket was lost in a confusing manner when the opener Ali was given out run out. Ali had grounded her bat after returning to her crease, having stepped out to play a shot. Her bat was then lifted momentarily when an India throw hit the stumps. Sana protested to the official that the batter was not running but the ruling was upheld.
Amin’s innings of 106 balls included a six and nine fours. Goud took 3/20 and Sharma returned 3/45.
