India Overcome Insect Invasion to Sail to Frosty Win Over Pakistan in Women’s Cricket World Cup
The seam bowler Kranti Goud and spin specialist Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets each as India routed Pakistan by 88 runs in their Women’s World Cup match, which began similar to recent fixtures between the men’s national sides with no handshake from the skippers and then featured a disputed run-out of a Pakistani opening batter.
India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, did not shake hands with Sana during the coin toss and the teams departed without post-match pleasantries after the contest amidst diplomatic strains between the two south Asian neighbours.
Skippers at the recent men’s Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates also did not shake hands at games between the two rivals. India has accused Pakistan of having involvement in tourist assaults that claimed many lives.
Game Overview
India lost the toss, they were all out for 247 in 50 overs. Their openers, Rawal and the star batter Smriti Mandhana, put on 48 for the first wicket before the bowler had Mandhana leg before wicket for a 23 off 32. She made 31 before she was bowled by spinner Iqbal. Kaur scored 19 before she was caught behind off Baig.
Deol was the top scorer for the team with 46 runs and Ghosh made a rapid 35 not out to lift their team to a respectable score.
Rodrigues (32), Sharma (25) and Rana (20) all made useful runs, while Diana took four for 69 for the opposition and the duo had two wickets apiece. Play was halted for 15 minutes because insects were bothering the cricketers.
Pakistan’s Innings
The Pakistani team were dismissed for 159 runs in 43 overs. The only half-century of the game in Colombo came from Amin, who made 81.
Pakistan’s first wicket was lost in a confusing manner when the opening batter Ali was given out run out. She had placed her bat after returning to her crease, having stepped out to play a shot. Her bat was then seen to be lifted when an India throw hit the stumps. The captain argued with the fourth umpire that the player was not running but the decision stood.
Amin’s innings of 106 balls included a six and nine fours. Goud took three wickets for 20 runs and the spinner finished with three for 45.
