New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) Pakistan women defeated India by two runs via D/L method to register their first victory in the World Twenty20 at the Ferozeshah Kotla here on Saturday.
Choosing to field first on a two-pace wicket, Pakistan put up a superb show to restrict India to 96 for seven in 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan were 70 for three in 14 overs but the Indians raised hopes of a fight back by picking three wickets in the next two overs. Pakistan were 77/6 till 16 overs.
But the match was stopped due to rain, forcing the Duckworth & Lewis Method to come into the picture which gave the visitors the two-run victory.
Pakistan, who lost their previous match to the West Indies, were overjoyed with the win, while the Indians were really disappointed as they failed to make it two wins out of two matches.
However, Pakistan deserve full credit for the way they bowled at the start against the Indians. Pacer Asmavia Iqbal (1/13) and spinner Anam Amin (1/9) were right on the dot against captain Mithali Raj (16) and V. Vanitha (2). By the end of the sixth over, India were seven for two — Anam removed Vanitha, while Asmavia accounted for Smriti Mandhana (1).
The pressure was telling on Mithali, as she was the third wicket to go having scored 16 in 35 deliveries. India were 34 for three then when their skipper departed.
Later, Harmanpreet Kaur (16) and Veda Krishnamurthy (24) tried their best but failed to accelerate as India were restricted to 96 for seven.
In pursuit of the low total, Pakistan were helped by Sidra Ameen (26) and Nahida Khan (14). No.3 batswoman Bismah Maroof (5) was removed by Harmanpreet. And later India removed Iram Javed (10), Asmavia (5) and captain Sana Mir (0) to trigger a stunning comeback before 16 overs.
Then Pakistan required 20 runs in four overs with bowlers to come in but the sky opened up, intervening in the match that could have seen an exhilarating finish. And as the D/L method was brought in, Pakistan were ahead and won by two runs.