Follow UsThe Indian women’s team have set high standards for themselves in this ODI World Cup after beating England in England and then challenging seven-time World Cup champions Australia at home despite high-scoring games.
However, the Indian women haven’t been at their best in the first two World Cup games, including today’s game against Pakistan, which they still won by 88 runs.
This was more a reflection of the gulf between the skills of the two sides, as Indian batters got set but missed the chance to bat big on a tricky pitch that was holding up. Smriti Mandhana yet again got out early for just 23, and it was up to Pratika Rawal (31 off 37) and Harleen Deol (46 off 65) to score big. However, Rawal fell soon after a slew of dot balls right after the powerplay brought pressure of boundaries on her.
Meanwhile, Deol continued to play a knock that was largely devoid of the right tempo, as she looked to hit herself out of the trouble, but ultimately could only score at a strike rate of 70. The dot balls played by her also added extra pressure on Harmanpreet Kaur (19 off 34) and Jemimah Rodrigues (32 off 37), who both had an off day and took a few risks too many.
If not for the cameo by Richa Ghosh (35* off 20) at the end, India would have ended with an under-par total on a not-so-friendly surface, but they eventually ended their innings at 247 all out in 50 overs.
It was always going to be a tough ask for Pakistan from here, who lacked the hitting power to climb the required run-rate. Renuka Singh Thakur and Kranti Gaud (who was also the Player of the Match) were brilliant with the new ball, and Pakistan could only score 30 at the end of the 15 overs and had already lost Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz, two of their best batters.
Sidra Amin continued to bat brilliantly and scored the highest score for a Pakistani woman against India (81); however, she was the lone warrior for Pakistan as Kranti picked up three scalps for just 20 runs in her 10 overs. Renuka was also very good and gave only 29 runs in her 10 overs. If not for the drop catches and missed LBW reviews, she would have had some wickets also.
However, in the end, despite the spinners bowling slightly too quickly, Pakistan kept losing wickets and were bowled out for 159. With these two wins in two games, India are now on top of the points table and will now play South Africa on October 9 in Vizag.