India Defy Bug Plague to Sail to Frosty Victory Over Pakistan in Women’s Cricket World Cup
Pace bowler Kranti Goud and spin specialist Sharma claimed three wickets each as India routed their opponents by 88 runs in their Women’s World Cup encounter, which began like recent ones between the countries men’s teams with no handshake from the skippers and then featured a disputed run-out of a Pakistan opener.
India’s captain, Kaur, did not shake hands with Sana during the coin toss and the squads walked off without post-match pleasantries after the contest amid diplomatic strains between the two neighboring nations.
Skippers 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 having involvement in tourist assaults that killed dozens.
Game Overview
India lost the toss, they were all out for 247 in 50 overs. Their openers, Rawal and star player Smriti Mandhana, put on 48 runs for the opening stand before the bowler had Mandhana leg before wicket for a 32-ball 23. Rawal made 31 runs before she was bowled by the left-arm spinner Iqbal. The captain scored 19 runs before edging behind off Diana Baig.
Harleen Deol was the top scorer for India with 46 and Richa Ghosh made a rapid 35* to lift their side to a respectable score.
Jemimah Rodrigues (32), Deepti (25) and Sneh Rana (20) all made valuable contributions, while Diana took four for 69 for the opposition and the duo had two wickets apiece. Play was halted for 15 minutes because bugs were troubling the players.
Pakistan Batting
Pakistan were bowled out for 159 in 43 overs. Sole fifty of the game in the venue came from Sidra Amin, who made 81 runs.
Pakistan’s first wicket was lost in a confusing manner when the opening batter Ali was adjudged run out. Ali had grounded her bat after returning to her crease, having moved forward to play a shot. Her bat was then lifted momentarily when an India throw hit the stumps. The captain protested to the official that the batter was not running but the ruling was upheld.
Amin’s innings of 106 balls included a maximum and nine boundaries. Goud took 3/20 and the spinner finished with three for 45.
