Deepti Sharma starred with a remarkable bowling performance for India, claiming figures of 3-20 as they dismissed Pakistan for a modest 108 in their opening Women’s T20 Asia Cup encounter at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
In addition to Deepti’s superb spell in the middle overs, Renuka Singh Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar, and Shreyanka Patil contributed with two wickets each, consolidating India’s dominance with the ball. Pakistan struggled to establish partnerships and rotate the strike, succumbing under pressure from the Indian bowlers as they lost their last six wickets for just 47 runs. Only four Pakistani batters managed to reach double figures in their innings.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan faced early setbacks as Gull Feroza’s attempted pull shot resulted in a catch at mid-on off Pooja Vastrakar. Muneeba Ali fell in the fourth over to another short delivery, miscuing to cover. The situation worsened post Power-play as Aliya Riaz’s leading edge off Shreyanka Patil was caught at mid-wicket. Deepti Sharma accounted for Nida Dar, caught at long-on, while Renuka Singh Thakur dismissed Sidra Amin and Iram Javed in consecutive deliveries.
Despite a brief resistance from Tuba Hassan, who scored a brisk 22, Pakistan continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil combined again to dismantle the lower order, ensuring Pakistan was bowled out for 108 with four balls to spare. Fatima Sana’s late hitting provided some relief, but it was not enough to challenge India’s bowling dominance.
Brief scores:
Pakistan 108 all out in 19.2 overs (Sidra Amin 25; Deepti Sharma 3-20, Renuka Singh Thakur 2-14) against India
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