Indian Women's Team Overcome Insect Plague to Sail to Chilly Win Over Pakistan in Women's World Cup
The seam bowler Kranti Goud and the spinner Deepti Sharma took three wickets each as the Indian side routed their opponents by a substantial margin in their Women’s World Cup encounter, which began like recent ones between the countries men’s teams without a handshake from the captains and then featured a disputed run-out of a Pakistan opener.
The Indian captain, Kaur, did not shake hands with Sana during the toss and the squads departed without post-match pleasantries after the contest amidst political tensions between the two south Asian neighbours.
The captains at the recent men’s Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates similarly avoided handshakes at matches between India and Pakistan. Indian authorities have alleged Pakistan of being involved in attacks on tourists that claimed many lives.
Game Overview
India lost the toss, they were all out for 247 runs in 50 overs. The opening pair, Rawal and star player Mandhana, put on 48 runs for the opening stand before the bowler had Mandhana lbw for a 23 off 32. Rawal made 31 before she was bowled by spinner Iqbal. The captain scored 19 before she was caught behind off Diana Baig.
Deol was the top scorer for the team with 46 runs and Ghosh made a rapid 35 not out to lift their side to a competitive total.
Jemimah Rodrigues (32), Sharma (25) and Sneh Rana (20) all made useful runs, while Baig took four for 69 for Pakistan and Iqbal and Sana had two wickets apiece. Play was stopped for 15 minutes because bugs were troubling the players.
Pakistan’s Innings
Pakistan were bowled out for 159 in 43 overs. Sole fifty of the game in Colombo came from Amin, who made 81.
Pakistan’s first wicket was taken in a controversial fashion when the opening batter Muneeba Ali was given out run out. Ali had grounded her bat after returning to her crease, having moved forward to attempt a stroke. Her bat was then lifted momentarily when an throw struck the wickets. The captain argued with the official that the batter was not running but the ruling was upheld.
Her innings of 106 balls included a six and nine boundaries. Goud took three wickets for 20 runs and the spinner returned three for 45.
