India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the Women’s Asia Cup Group A match in Dubai on Saturday, extending Pakistan’s difficult record in the rivalry and giving India another dominant start to the tournament.
Pakistan were dismissed for 55 in 18.1 overs after struggling against India’s attack. India reached the target in 8.4 overs, finishing on 57 for three. The result leaves India firmly placed at the top end of Group A after earlier victories over Thailand and Hong Kong, China.
The match had carried unusually strong attention because of the India-Pakistan rivalry and the teams’ contrasting tournament starts. Pakistan had opened its campaign with a 35-run victory over Thailand, with Muneeba Ali making 54 and Sadia Iqbal taking three wickets. India entered the Dubai fixture after Smriti Mandhana’s record-setting century against Hong Kong, China.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana returned to lead the side in the Asia Cup after missing the recent Sri Lanka T20I series because of The Hundred. The defeat, however, exposed the gap between Pakistan’s promising opening performance and the pressure of facing India’s deeper batting and bowling resources.
The result is a major setback for Pakistan’s group-stage position, while India’s second consecutive victory strengthens its qualification outlook. Pakistan’s next scheduled group match is against Hong Kong, China on September 7.
