India beat Pakistan in 19th over in the Women’s T20 World Cup

India beat fierce rivals and neighbours, Pakistan in the Women’s T20 World Cup by 7 wickets with an over to spare in a high scoring close encounter in Newlands, Cape Town.

Pakistan won the toss, opted to bat first and the trend of teams winning the toss and losing the game continues

ALSO READ: England outshine West Indies to win Women’s T20 by 7 wickets

Pakistan hit 149/4

With both openers out cheaply, Bismah Maroof steadied the ship with an unbeaten 68* in 55 deliveries. She was ably supported by Ayeshe Naseem who was also not out with 43* off 25 balls. Pakistan ended their first innings in the Women’s T20 World Cup with a competitive 149/4.

The wickets were shared between Radha Yadav 2/21, Pooja Vastrakar 1/30 and Deepti Sharma with 1/39.

ALSO READ: Women’s T20 World Cup: Watch from the grass or couch

India chase down 151/3

All five batters called to the crease contributed notable runs. Player of the match, Jemimah Rodrigues top scored with 53* off 38 not out. Other notable innings came from Shafali Verma with 33 off 25 and Richa Ghosh who scored 31* from 20 deliveries. India made it to 151/3 to win the game by 7 wickets inn just 19 overs.

Although Pakistan struggled to contain the Indian batters, Nashra Sundhu managed to take two wickets for 15 with an economy rate of 3.75. Sadia Iqbal also took a wicket for 25 runs. This is also the first time in the Women’s T20 World Cup where all the wickets were taken by bowling efforts as no run out was effected.

ALSO READ: Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa: How they got here

What next?

Both teams remain in Cape Town and play in a double header on Wednesday, 15 February. India take on the West Indies at 15:00 for the first game. Followed by Pakistan v Ireland take on Ireland at 19:00.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY ZAREENA GAIBEE