India cruise past Pakistan for seven-wicket win in Women’s Asia Cup

India made short work of Pakistan in Dubai, securing a seven-wicket victory in the Women’s Asia Cup and extending their dominant record in the fixture. It was India’s seventh Asia Cup win against Pakistan in eight meetings.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and elected to bat first, attempting to repeat the approach that had helped Pakistan beat Thailand on Tuesday. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said bowling first represented a “good opportunity” for her side.

Pakistan began cautiously but steadily. Openers Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqaar scored 16 runs during the first three overs, although Muneeba received a reprieve when she was dropped off Kranti Gaud’s bowling at the start of the third over. The pair added several boundaries and rotated the strike to build an opening partnership worth 27 runs.

Both teams named unchanged line-ups from their previous matches. The game also marked a landmark appearance for Kaur, who became the first player, man or woman, to play 150 T20 internationals.

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Good opportunity