India Defy Bug Plague to Cruise to Frosty Win Over Pakistani Rivals in Women’s Cricket World Cup
Pace bowler Kranti Goud and the spinner Sharma claimed three scalps apiece as the Indian side routed Pakistan by a substantial margin in their Women’s World Cup match, which began similar to recent fixtures between the countries men’s teams without a handshake from the skippers and later included a disputed run-out of a Pakistan opener.
The Indian captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, did not shake hands with Pakistan’s Fatima Sana during the toss and the teams walked off without post-match pleasantries after the contest amidst political tensions between the two neighboring nations.
The captains at the men’s Asia Cup in the UAE similarly avoided handshakes at games between India and Pakistan. India has accused their neighbor of being involved in tourist assaults that killed dozens.
Game Overview
India lost the toss, they were all out for 247 runs in 50 overs. The opening pair, Pratika Rawal and the star batter Smriti Mandhana, shared 48 for the opening stand before the bowler had Mandhana lbw for a 32-ball 23. Rawal made 31 before she was bowled by the left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal. Kaur scored 19 before edging behind off Baig.
Deol was the top scorer for India with 46 and Richa Ghosh made a rapid 35* to lift their side to a competitive total.
Jemimah Rodrigues (32), Deepti (25) and Rana (20) all made valuable contributions, while Baig took 4/69 for Pakistan and Iqbal and Sana had two wickets apiece. Play was stopped for a quarter-hour because bugs were troubling the cricketers.
Pakistan Batting
Pakistan were bowled out for 159 runs in 43 overs. Sole fifty of the match in the venue came from Sidra Amin, who made 81 runs.
Pakistan’s first wicket was taken in a confusing manner when the opening batter Ali was given out run out. She had placed her bat after returning to her crease, having moved forward to attempt a stroke. The bat was then lifted momentarily when an India throw hit the stumps. Sana argued with the fourth umpire that the player was not running but the decision stood.
Amin’s 106-ball innings included a six and nine fours. The seamer took 3/20 and Sharma finished with 3/45.
