India triumph over Pakistan in high-stakes women's T20 World Cup clash

India delivered a well-rounded performance to defeat Pakistan in a crucial match at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. After a disappointing loss to New Zealand in their opening fixture, Harmanpreet Kaur's side bounced back with a decisive win over their arch-rivals.

Arundhati Reddy (3/19) and Shreyanka Patil (2/12) shone with the ball, as a rebalanced Indian side restricted Pakistan to 105/8. For Pakistan, Nida Dar top-scored with a cautious 28 from 34 balls.

Chasing a modest target of 106, India cruised to victory, led by Shafali Verma's composed 32 off 35 deliveries and a steady 29 from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who had to retire hurt just before sealing the win.

India's chase was methodical, avoiding unnecessary risks during the powerplay. Smriti Mandhana fell for 7 off 16 balls, trapped into a false shot by Sadia Iqbal, but Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, promoted to number three, steadied the innings. The pair built a solid platform before Verma, seeking to accelerate after the drinks break, was dismissed for 32, having contributed significantly to breaking the back of the chase.

Kaur's arrival brought calmness to the middle. She, along with Rodrigues, made sure India inched closer to victory, although Pakistan captain Fatima Sana briefly revived her team's hopes with two wickets in as many balls, dismissing Rodrigues (23 off 28) and Richa Ghosh (0 from 1).

Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat after winning the toss in front of a packed stadium. Both teams made enforced changes due to injuries, with Pakistan's Diana Baig replaced by Aroob Shah and India swapping Pooja Vastrakar for Sajeevan Sajana to bolster their batting depth.

Pakistan struggled to gain momentum from the outset. Renuka Singh struck early, sending Gull Feroza back for a duck, and Deepti Sharma bowled Sidra Amin (8 off 11) to leave Pakistan reeling at 29/2 after the powerplay.

Muneeba Ali, the only batter to show some fluency, was dismissed for 17 off 26, stumped off Shreyanka Patil. The introduction of Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, batting at number seven, briefly lifted their innings with a brisk 13 off 8 balls, but she was brilliantly caught by Ghosh off the bowling of Asha Sobhana.

Nida Dar's 28 from 34 and Aroob Shah's unbeaten 14 from 17 helped Pakistan reach a semi-competitive total, but it was ultimately not enough to challenge India.