In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, India secured a crucial victory over archrivals Pakistan by six wickets in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. This win marks India’s first points in the tournament, providing a much-needed boost after their opening defeat against New Zealand.
SOURCE : ZEE
The match began with Pakistan winning the toss and opting to bat first. The decision seemed to backfire as India’s bowlers, led by the impressive Arundhati Reddy, restricted Pakistan to a modest total of 105-8 in their 20 overs. Reddy’s exceptional figures of 3-19 were complemented by off-spinner Shreyanka Patil, who took 2-12, stifling Pakistan’s batting lineup on a slow wicket
Source:- bbc news
Pakistan’s innings was characterized by a lack of substantial partnerships, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Veteran all-rounder Nida Dar top-scored with a patient 28 off 34 balls, but her efforts were not enough to propel Pakistan to a competitive total. The Indian bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, ensuring that the Pakistani batters never got into a rhythm
Chasing a target of 106, India got off to a cautious start. Opener Shafali Verma played a measured innings, scoring 32 off 35 balls, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 23 from 28 deliveries. Despite the modest target, India’s approach was perplexingly slow, crawling to 25-1 after the six-over powerplay without hitting a boundary.
The chase took a dramatic turn in the 16th over when Pakistan’s Fatima Sana took two wickets in two balls, dismissing Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma, to leave India at 82-4 with 26 runs still needed. The double strike brought Pakistan back into the game, but Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s composed innings of 29* off 24 balls steadied the ship. However, Kaur had to retire hurt with just two runs required for victory, adding to the tension.
With the match hanging in the balance, Sajeevan Sajana stepped up to hit the winning runs off her first ball, sealing the victory for India with seven balls to spare. The Indian camp erupted in celebration as they notched a crucial win against their fierce rivals.
Arundhati Reddy was deservedly named Player of the Match for her outstanding bowling performance, which laid the foundation for India’s victory. Her disciplined bowling and crucial wickets ensured that Pakistan never got away with the bat.
This victory puts India in a better position in the group stage, but they still face a tough road ahead. With defending champions Australia and a resurgent Sri Lanka still to come, India will need to maintain their form and improve their batting approach to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
The match generated significant buzz on social media, with fans from both nations expressing their excitement and relief. Hashtags like #INDvPAK and #T20WorldCup2024 trended on Twitter, with fans praising the Indian team’s resilience and the thrilling nature of the contest.
The India-Pakistan rivalry once again delivered a memorable match, showcasing the intensity and passion that these encounters bring. India’s victory by six wickets not only boosts their chances in the tournament but also adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between these two cricketing nations.
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