India Defy Bug Plague to Cruise to Frosty Win Over Pakistan in Women’s Cricket World Cup
Pace bowler Goud and the spinner Sharma took three scalps apiece as the Indian side defeated Pakistan by 88 runs in their World Cup match, which began like recent ones between the men’s national sides with no handshake from the captains and then featured a controversial run-out of a Pakistan opener.
India’s captain, Kaur, did not shake hands with Sana during the toss and the teams walked off without post-match pleasantries after the contest amid diplomatic strains between the two neighboring nations.
Skippers at the men’s Asia Cup in the UAE similarly avoided handshakes at matches between India and Pakistan. Indian authorities have alleged Pakistan of being involved in attacks on tourists that killed dozens.
Match Summary
Losing the toss, India were dismissed for 247 runs in their allotted overs. The opening pair, Rawal and star player Mandhana, put on 48 for the opening stand before Sana had Mandhana lbw for a 23 off 32. She made 31 runs before she was bowled by the left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal. Kaur scored 19 before she was caught behind off Diana Baig.
Deol top-scored for the team with 46 and Richa Ghosh made a quick-fire 35* to lift their side to a respectable score.
Rodrigues (32), Sharma (25) and Sneh Rana (20) all made valuable contributions, while Diana took 4/69 for the opposition and the duo had two wickets apiece. The match was stopped for 15 minutes because bugs were troubling the players.
Pakistan Batting
Pakistan were dismissed for 159 in 43 overs. Sole fifty of the game in the venue came from Amin, who made 81.
Pakistan’s first wicket was taken in a controversial fashion when the opening batter Ali was adjudged run out. She had grounded her bat after getting back, having moved forward to attempt a stroke. Her bat was then lifted momentarily when an throw hit the stumps. The captain argued with the fourth umpire that the batter was not attempting a run but the ruling was upheld.
Her innings of 106 balls included a six and nine fours. Goud took 3/20 and Sharma finished with 3/45.
