DUBAI, Sep 6 : India’s young spin duo of Shree Charani and Prema Rawat wreaked havoc on Pakistan’s batting line-up as the defending champions registered a commanding seven-wicket victory in the Women’s Asia Cup T20 here on Saturday.
Charani returned impressive figures of 3 for 7 from four overs, while Rawat claimed 3 for 9 in her four-over spell as Pakistan were bowled out for just 55 in 18.1 overs — their lowest-ever total in T20 internationals.
Part-time spinner Shafali Verma chipped in with 1 for 10 from three overs, while Deepti Sharma finished with 2 for 5 in 3.1 overs as India’s spin attack completely dismantled the Pakistani batting order.
India chased down the modest target in just 8.4 overs, finishing at 57 for 3. Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 18, while Deepti Sharma was not out on 12.
Harmanpreet, who became the first captain in international cricket, men’s or women’s, to lead India in 150 T20Is, fittingly sealed the victory with a six down the ground.
India made a shaky start to the chase, losing Shafali Verma (12), Smriti Mandhana (9) and Pratika Rawal (4) cheaply, with Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana taking all three wickets.
However, Harmanpreet and Deepti settled the chase without much difficulty as Pakistan failed to create any further pressure.
Earlier, Pakistan began positively after opting to bat, reaching 27 without loss in just over four overs. Openers Muneeba Ali (13) and Shawaal Zulfiqar (14) handled the Indian seamers comfortably before the introduction of spin changed the course of the innings.
Once Harmanpreet recognised the assistance available to the spinners, she brought them into the attack, and the move paid immediate dividends. Pakistan slumped from 27 without loss to 36 for 6, losing six wickets for just nine runs.
Charani and Rawat kept attacking the stumps with accuracy, while Shafali also contributed with her wrist spin. Pakistan’s batters struggled to counter the turn and bounce, repeatedly falling to poorly executed shots.
Charani dismissed Gull Feroza for nought and trapped Zulfiqar leg before wicket, while Rawat accounted for Sadaf Shamas. Deepti then removed Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana for nought with a sharp off-break.
Eyman Fatima was run out following a mix-up with Umm-e Hani, who was later dismissed attempting a sweep.
Indian bowlers bowled an astonishing 78 dot balls during Pakistan’s 18.1 overs, underlining their complete dominance.
The victory further extended India’s superiority over Pakistan in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup. India now have seven wins against Pakistan’s solitary victory in the tournament’s history.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 55 all out in 18.1 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 14, Muneeba Ali 13; Shree Charani 3/7, Prema Rawat 3/9, Deepti Sharma 2/5).
India: 57/3 in 8.4 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 18 not out, Deepti Sharma 12 not out; Fatima Sana 3/17).
