India Overcome Bug Invasion to Sail to Chilly Win Over Pakistan in Women's World Cup
Pace bowler Goud and spin specialist Sharma claimed three wickets each as the Indian side routed Pakistan by 88 runs in their Women’s World Cup match, starting similar to recent fixtures between the countries men’s teams without a handshake from the skippers and then featured a controversial run-out of a Pakistan opener.
India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, did not shake hands with Pakistan’s Fatima Sana during the toss and the teams departed without greeting each other after the contest amidst diplomatic strains between the two south Asian neighbours.
The captains at the recent men’s Asia Cup in the UAE also did not shake hands at games between India and Pakistan. India has accused Pakistan of being involved in attacks on tourists that claimed many lives.
Game Overview
Losing the toss, India were all out for 247 runs in their allotted overs. The opening pair, Pratika Rawal and star player Mandhana, put on 48 runs for the first wicket before the bowler had her lbw for a 23 off 32. She made 31 runs before she was bowled by spinner Sadia Iqbal. Kaur scored 19 runs before she was caught behind off Baig.
Deol was the top scorer for the team with 46 runs and Ghosh made a quick-fire 35 not out to boost their team to a competitive total.
Rodrigues (32), Sharma (25) and Rana (20) all made useful runs, while Baig took 4/69 for Pakistan and Iqbal and Sana had two wickets each. Play was stopped for a quarter-hour because insects were bothering the players.
Pakistan Batting
The Pakistani team were bowled out for 159 runs in 43 overs. The only half-century of the match in the venue came from Amin, who made 81.
Pakistan’s first wicket was lost in a confusing manner when the opener Ali was adjudged run out. She had placed her bat after returning to her crease, having stepped out to attempt a stroke. Her bat was then seen to be lifted when an throw hit the stumps. The captain argued with the fourth umpire that the player was not running but the decision stood.
Her innings of 106 balls included a six and nine boundaries. The seamer took 3/20 and the spinner returned three for 45.
