**Women’s T20 World Cup, Dubai**
**Pakistan 105-8 (20 overs):** Dar 28 (34); Reddy 3-19
**India 108-4 (18.5 overs):** Harmanpreet 29* (24); Sana 2-23
**India won by six wickets**
India secured their first win of the Women’s T20 World Cup by defeating rivals Pakistan by six wickets, but their performance left much to be desired. Despite chasing a modest target of 106, India took 18.5 overs to reach the total, keeping them in a precarious position in the group-stage standings due to a previous heavy loss to New Zealand that damaged their net run-rate.
Although the chase seemed comfortable, Pakistan’s Fatima Sana briefly revived their hopes with two wickets in the 16th over, leaving India with 26 runs still to get. However, India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained calm, scoring 29 off 24 balls before retiring hurt with just two runs needed. Sajeevan Sajana then sealed the win by hitting the winning runs on her very first delivery.
India’s approach to the chase was perplexing, as they lacked urgency and intent. Typically aggressive opener Shafali Verma made 32 from 35 balls, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 23 from 28, both batting cautiously despite no scoreboard pressure. India’s slow start was evident as they crawled to 25-1 in the six-over powerplay without hitting a single boundary.
On the bowling front, both teams dominated, with Arundhati Reddy shining for India, taking 3-19. For Pakistan, Nida Dar top-scored with 28 from 34 balls, but they struggled to form significant partnerships, losing wickets regularly.
Though India kept wickets in hand, their lackluster chase raised questions. Despite this win, they remain under pressure to make the semi-finals, with matches against Sri Lanka and defending champions Australia still ahead. Pakistan, too, are in a tough spot, as they face a formidable Australian team next on Friday.
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