India Defy Insect Plague to Sail to Frosty Victory Over Pakistan in Women’s Cricket World Cup

The seam bowler Goud and spin specialist Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets each as India defeated Pakistan by 88 runs in their Women’s World Cup match, which began similar to recent fixtures between the countries men’s teams with no handshake from the captains and then featured a disputed run-out of a Pakistani opening batter.

India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, declined to shake hands with Sana during the coin toss and the squads walked off without post-match pleasantries after the match amidst political tensions between the two south Asian neighbours.

The captains at the 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 tourist assaults that killed dozens.

Game Overview

India lost the toss, they were dismissed for 247 in 50 overs. Their openers, Rawal and the star batter Smriti Mandhana, shared 48 runs for the opening stand before the bowler had Mandhana leg before wicket for a 32-ball 23. She made 31 runs before she was bowled by the left-arm spinner Iqbal. The captain scored 19 before edging behind off Baig.

Deol was the top scorer for India with 46 and Ghosh made a quick-fire 35* to boost their side to a competitive total.

Rodrigues (32), Sharma (25) and Rana (20) all made valuable contributions, while Baig took 4/69 for the opposition and the duo had two wickets apiece. Play was halted for a quarter-hour because bugs were troubling the players.

Pakistan’s Innings

Pakistan were bowled out for 159 in 43 overs. Sole fifty of the game in the venue came from Sidra Amin, who made 81.

The opening wicket was taken in a confusing manner when the opener Muneeba Ali was given out run out. She had grounded her bat after getting back, having moved forward to play a shot. The bat was then seen to be lifted when an throw hit the stumps. The captain argued with the official that the player was not attempting a run but the ruling was upheld.

Amin’s 106-ball innings included a six and nine fours. The seamer took three wickets for 20 runs and the spinner finished with 3/45.