Women’s Asia Cup: India crush Pakistan by 7 wickets as no-handshake stance continues

The Indian women’s team crushed arch-rivals Pakistan by seven wickets in their marquee Asia Cup match on Saturday evening in Dubai. The Women in Blue extended their winning streak to three matches, having already punched their semifinal ticket. Chasing a modest target of 55, India stumbled early as Pakistani captain Fatima Sana took three quick wickets. However, Harmanpreet Kaur (18*) and veteran all-rounder Deepti Sharma (12*) achieved the target, as India outclassed Pakistan to stamp their authority. The two teams did not shake hands even before or after the match.

WATCH INDIA'S WINNING MOMENT -

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan got off to a flyer, scoring 27 runs inside the first five overs. Shafali Verma broke the opening stand by keeper-batter Muneeba Ali, bowled on 13. Unfortunately for Pakistan, the first wicket triggered a horror batting collapse as Pakistan lost all 10 wickets for the next 28 runs, registering their lowest T20I total of 55 all out in 18.1 overs.

Superb bowling from the spin trio of Shree Charani, Prema Rawat and Deepti Sharma crushed any hope of Pakistan putting on a fighting total against their counterparts. While Charani and Rawat returned with three wickets each, Deepti picked up two, with Eyman Fatima getting out run out to complete 10 wickets.

Shocked by the team’s batting performance, Pakistani captain Fatima Sana, who returned with three wickets during India’s chase, said, “We had a collapse in the batting and struggled throughout the whole innings.”

“We know that (it was a) fresh wicket (on batting first), and we just wanted to put up the maximum total. We know we have a good bowling side,” she said.

On her three-wicket spell at the top, Sana said, “But still, we lost the match; it doesn’t matter. We needed a win, so it doesn't matter.”

WATCH FATIMA SANA's 3-WICKET HAUL -

Charani, who won the player of the match award, said, “It’s a great, great feeling to contribute to my team. I just wanted to bowl to my strength and according to the field.

“I just try to give more reps on the ball, so that helps me every time. I think (it’s) normal, like every day (on completing 50 T20I wickets). But it will be special, but yeah, I need to continue more and want to do more for my country.”

India lost attacking opener Shafali Verma for 12 inside the first over, before Sana accounted for Pratika Rawal (4) and star opener Smriti Mandhana (9) in her second over to reduce India to 29/3 in four overs. Captain Harmanpreet and Deepti closed the run chase as India crushed Pakistan by seven wickets to top Group A.

"Very important game for us, and really happy with the way the entire team performed today, because we talk about being ruthless, and I'm really happy with the way we performed," Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur reflected on the win.

"All the bowlers, they were outstanding. They are sticking to their plans and bowling according to their plans, and reading the pitch really well. I think that is the key: understanding the pitch and then executing your plans accordingly," she lauded her bowlers.