Women’s Asia Cup | Pakistan shock India with first T20 win over arch-rivals since 2016

India’s batsmen went on a rampage in the straight chase as Pakistan registered their first win over the arch-rivals in six years with a 13-run victory in the Women’s Asia Cup here on Friday.

India, who by some distance were Asia’s most formidable team, were bowled out for 124 in 19.4 overs as Pakistan posted a paltry score of 137 for six.

Less than 24 hours after the humiliating defeat against Thailand, Pakistan made a remarkable turnaround.

At 65 for five, India were in all sorts of trouble as the majority of the batsmen threw away their wickets, including star player Smriti Mandhana (17 off 19 balls).

Prior to this game, India enjoyed a 10-2 record against Pakistan with their previous win against the arch-rivals at the 2016 T20 World Cup in New Delhi.

Dayalan Hemalatha (20 off 22 balls) let his team down as he did not capitalize on the start.

Harmanpreet Kaur came into bat at number seven before perishing cheaply, raising questions over her fitness.

“I think we were trying to give other batsmen a chance in the middle. That cost us today. It was a target worth chasing. In the middle overs, we couldn’t rotate the strike,” a disappointed Harmanpreet said after the match.

With India needing 61 runs off the last six overs, Pakistan are favorites to claim a surprise victory.

Richa Ghosh (26 off 13 balls), who had to leave Pakistan’s innings due to heat stroke, brought India back into the game with three sixes off the spinners before being caught in the deep in the 19th over. Her dismissal effectively ended all India’s hopes.

Earlier, Pakistan, who were shocked by Thailand on Thursday, produced a better batting display against the Indians, but it still did not look up to par.

Nida Dar (56 not out from 37 balls) and captain Bisma Maroof (32 from 35 balls) provided the momentum the innings needed with a vital partnership of 76 runs from 58 balls.

She used her feet well, especially against the spinners, the pick of Dar Pakistan’s batters to get big hits.

Off-spinner Deepti Sharma (3/27) stood out among the Indian bowlers with outstanding figures. She wasn’t afraid to give the ball some loop, helping Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali (17) deceive, resulting in the stumps.

Omaima Sohil was caught in front of the stumps as he tried to sweep two balls later.

Bisma was lucky to get 8 runs as the umpire rejected Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s appeal.

Pakistan scored 61 runs for the loss of three wickets in 10 overs. Dar gave some momentum to the innings as she stepped up to hit Hemalatha for a four and a straight six in the 15th over.

The Indian fielding was left wanting on more than one occasion as substitute Shafali Verma missed an easy stumping opportunity.

Summary Score: Pakistan 137/6 in 20 overs (Nidar Dar 56 not out, Bisma Maroof 32; Deepti Sharma 3/27). India in 20 overs (Richa Ghosh 26; Nida 2/32).