India Overcome Insect Plague to Sail to Frosty Victory Over Pakistani Rivals in Women's World Cup
The seam bowler Goud and the spinner Sharma took three scalps apiece as India routed their opponents by 88 runs in their World Cup encounter, starting like recent ones between the countries men’s teams without a handshake from the captains and later included a controversial run-out of a Pakistan opener.
India’s captain, Kaur, did not shake hands with Pakistan’s Fatima Sana during the coin toss and the squads walked off without post-match pleasantries after the match amid diplomatic strains between the two south Asian neighbours.
The captains at the men’s Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates similarly avoided handshakes at games between the two rivals. India has accused Pakistan of being involved in tourist assaults that claimed many lives.
Match Summary
Losing the toss, they were all out for 247 runs in 50 overs. Their openers, Rawal and the star batter Mandhana, shared 48 runs for the opening stand before the bowler had her leg before wicket for a 23 off 32. Rawal made 31 before she was bowled by spinner Sadia Iqbal. The captain scored 19 runs before edging behind off Baig.
Harleen Deol top-scored for India with 46 runs and Richa Ghosh made a quick-fire 35* to boost their side to a respectable score.
Rodrigues (32), Sharma (25) and Rana (20) all made useful runs, while Baig took 4/69 for the opposition and Iqbal and Sana had two wickets apiece. Play was stopped for a quarter-hour because insects were bothering the cricketers.
Pakistan’s Innings
The Pakistani team were dismissed for 159 in 43 overs. The only half-century of the game in the venue came from Sidra Amin, who made 81.
Pakistan’s first wicket was lost in a confusing manner when the opening batter Ali was given out run out. Ali had grounded her bat after returning to her crease, having stepped out to attempt a stroke. The bat was then seen to be lifted when an India throw struck the wickets. Sana protested to the official that the batter was not running but the ruling was upheld.
Her 106-ball innings included a six and nine boundaries. Goud took 3/20 and Sharma finished with 3/45.
