The Indian women’s team secured their first victory of the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with a six-wicket victory against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium, on Sunday.
After being asked to bowl first, the Indian bowlers produced a brilliant bowling display, scuttling the Pakistani batters for just 105 in 20 overs.
All five Indian bowlers ended up with wickets, with Arundhati being the pick of the bowlers with 3-19 in four overs.
Shreyanka Patil was also brilliant, with a bowling figure of 2-12 in her four overs.
In reply, India cantered to an easy victory, led by Shafali Verma’s 32 (34 balls, 3 fours) and Harmanpreet Kaur (29 runs, 24 balls, one four).
#5, A strong comeback from the Indian bowlers
The Indian bowling attack was under scrutiny after conceding 160 runs against New Zealand, and they responded superbly with a very disciplined performance against Pakistan.
Right from the get-go, the Indian bowlers gave nothing away, and soon enough, wickets started falling in plenty, especially in the middle overs.
Arundhati Reddy and Shreyanka Patil were the pick of the bowlers, with the two picking up five wickets between them, and in their eight overs, conceded just 31 runs.
The other bowlers were also very tidy, with every one of the five bowlers going for run-a-ball or less in their quota of four overs.
As a result, Pakistan could only get 105 runs in their 20 overs, losing nine wickets in the process.
Nida Dar top scored for Pakistan with 28 runs (34 balls, one four), while the other batters never really got going.
#4, A missed opportunity for Indian batters
With a small target to chase, India had an opportunity to finish the run chase quickly and make inroads on their nrr, which was in the high negatives after the 58-run defeat against New Zealand in the opening game.
But the Indian batters struggled to find momentum with the bat, except for skipper Kaur, who was the only player with a strike rate of above 100.
The powerplay was sullen and Shafali was uncharacteristically quiet in the chase, scoring 32 from 34 balls with just three boundaries.
India scored just 25 runs in the powerplay losing Smriti Mandhana for 7 (16 balls).
Kaur finished with 29 from 21 balls and she showed the right intent by picking the gaps and running hard, taking advantage of the large dimensions of the ground, something Jemimah and Shafali failed to do so consistently.
Jemimah was promoted to no.3 and she found it tough out in the middle, scoring 23 from 28 balls, struggling to find the boundaries.
India finally chased down the target in 18.5 overs, but experts and fans feel that the chase could have completed much sooner had the Indian batters showed better intent.
In a group with New Zealand and Australia, net run rates could become a difference-maker towards the end and it is safe to say, India missed a chance today.
#3, ‘Have worked a lot on my T20 bowling,’ says Arundhati
Arundhati Reddy was adjudged player of the match for her brilliant spell of 3-19 and she talked about the conditions and the work she has done for the shortest format of the game.
“It was a day game and it was pretty hot, but we are used to this weather. I just wanted to hit the stumps more, and use my variations and slower ones,” she said, talking during the post-match presentation.
She also talked about the work she has done in improving her bowling in the t20 format.
“I have worked a lot on my T20 bowling, in all stages of the game. I’ll be working even harder now,” she added.
#2, Injury concern for Harmanpreet?
In what could be a huge joy-kill in the Indian camp, the skipper walked off the field holding her neck towards the end of the game, holding her neck.
She seemingly got hurt when trying to make it back to the crease to avoid getting stumped and then she was retired hurt.
Even for the post-match presentation, Smriti Mandhana stepped in for Kaur and said “Too soon to say anything, the medics are looking at it. Hopefully, she is alright.”
Indian fans will wait with crossed fingers hoping Kaur is fine as she is the lynchpin of this Indian side.
#1, What next for Team India?
With their first win on board, India will now look to carry forward the momentum on to their next game against Sri Lanka, on October 9, in Dubai.
Sri Lanka will not be an easy side to beat, as their recent Asia Cup final win over India clearly suggests they can stand up to the big teams on their day.