Women's World Cup: India thrash Pakistan by 88 runs

COLOMBO: Pakistan faced a crushing defeat against India in the Women’s World Cup. In the group-stage clash, India outplayed Pakistan by 88 runs. Chasing a target of 248, Pakistan were bowled out for 159 in 43 overs. Sidra Ameen, who scored a resilient 81 runs, was the only batter to offer resistance. Young Indian pacer Kranthi Goud delivered a brilliant spell, taking three wickets for just 20 runs in 10 overs, and was deservedly named the Player of the Match.

India’s bowlers completely dominated Pakistan’s chase. Openers Muneeba Ali (2 off 12) and Sadaf Shamas (6 off 24) fell early. If not for Sidra Ameen’s 81 off 106 balls, Pakistan’s total would have been much worse. Aliya Riaz (2 off 8) also fell cheaply. Natalia Pervaiz scored 33 off 46 balls, providing brief support to Sidra, but once that partnership was broken, Pakistan’s innings collapsed.

Captain Fatima Sana (2 off 15), wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz (14 off 22), Rameen Shamim (0 off 1), Diana Baig (9 off 13), and Sadia Iqbal (0 off 2) all fell without much resistance. Nashra Sandhu remained unbeaten on 2 off 9 balls. Along with Kranthi Goud, Deepti Sharma also took three wickets for India, while Sneh Rana claimed two. Two Pakistani players were run out. Having won both of their matches so far, India now tops the group table with four points.

Earlier, after losing the toss and being sent in to bat, India scored 247 runs in 50 overs before being bowled out. The innings was built on solid contributions from Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh, whose late hitting pushed India close to the 250-mark on a tough batting pitch. Openers Smriti Mandhana (23 off 32) and Prathika Rawal (31 off 37) added 48 runs for the first wicket. Harleen Deol top-scored with 46 off 65 balls.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur made 19 off 34, Jemimah Rodrigues 32 off 37, Deepti Sharma 25 off 33, Sneh Rana 20 off 33, Sri Charani 1 off 5, Kranthi Goud 8 off 4, and Renuka Singh Thakur was out for a duck. Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 35 off 20 balls, providing a strong finish. For Pakistan, Diana Baig shone with the ball, taking four wickets. Sadia Iqbal and captain Fatima Sana took two wickets each, while Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu claimed one wicket apiece.